Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

A number of moments were interesting but not inspirational: Salamis was one but not on a par with Jerash from last year's trip: Vorusia was again interesting as I was reading the book by Victoria Hislop: Kyrenia Castle was by far the most interesting of the 4 castles visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leader was organised if not 'inspirational'.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you visit in August or September be prepared for temperatures above 40 degrees and high humidity. Ask Exodus to ensure that you all have a room upgrade, do not suffer the casino!

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick out one but if I had to then the last day of walking which was probably the most challenging, when we reached Brevent. The views, knowing I had completed the trek in one piece and the feeling of satisfaction.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank was just superb. In a quiet and calm manner, he weighed up the groups capabilities over the first few days, got us bonding together as a group, set a pace to satisfy everyone's needs and yet allowed sufficient freedom for those who wanted to stretch their legs at a faster pace on occasions. And he still found time to keep us well watered and fed! Also a walking encylopaedia of the the history of the mountains.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes - several times. There is a lot of very useful information in there, especially on the degree of fitness required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Very difficult to select though I think 'The Big Five' and to how close we were was sometimes driving the adrenalin to limits with the group. I never thought this would happen, BUT IT DID. Emotionally draining as unbelievable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leaders were brilliant. Not enough adjectives to describe. Became part of the group yet professional and supportive. Many thanks JP and Bevan and our great drivers, Sofiso and Chris.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get it booked before you loose out. Will not fail to impress and will leave you with a pounding heart and smile on your face forever.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were surprised by the architecture in the Barogue towns and our visit to The Valley of the Temples was a highlight.3Great local guide there too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vanessa was the most organized guide I have had when travelling with Exodus! We were supplied with maps daily and we were debriefed each evening. Everyone's needs were met and she was always professional. What she did not know, she found out. She was friendly, had a keen understanding of Sicily and spoke excellent English. Her optional evening meal gatherings proved to be enjoyable and right on!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the highest point on the trip (Piz Boe, 3150m) after a fun scramble; Sense of achievement from finishing the first Grade 5 walk of the week, which included a couple of steep ascents & descents, and then the celebratory beer afterwards at a mountain Rifugio.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders, Albert & Eric, were friendly, helpful, & always enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get it booked.

Most Inspirational Moment

The rainforest was brilliant. A) I was expecting to be bitten a lot- I wasn't bitten at all and the eco lodge was mosquito free. B) I thought I'd be constantly scared of the creepy crawlies- it was absolutely fine, even seeing the tarantula in the wild! If you're like me and don't like insects, don't let this put you off! We saw some amazing things. C) The journey to the rainforest is long but the lodges are comfortable, the setting beautiful and the food is good. It's topped off by a short boat ride to get to the lodge. D) the same day contrast of the hot sticky climate to the high altitude cold was fun E) the stars are the BEST The cable car was an unexpected treat- really good fun and a very memorable moment. A few of us were lucky enough to do this twice. I could have done it three times and not been bored! It's not like the cable cars we have in the UK.... Swimming in the Pacific Ocean.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good and pleasant. I had no problem overall with him but a couple of others had clashes in character. He was attentive and very organised. I would have been happy leaving earlier on a few occasions in the morning to get the day started and to allow for more time at the next hotel etc. His version of early is not really early... He was super fluent in English and his descriptions were generally strong about places we visited. Sometimes his descriptions of the next day plans or for food were vague which was a little frustrating but not a major point at all. Overall 7.5/10

Advice for Potential Travellers

No need for malaria tablets. There is some high altitude walking so be prepared. It isn't a problem but worth knowing about- this is what the fleeces etc. are for. Take plenty of DEET for bird island- it is worth going to but no joke, there are millions of mosquitoes that literally swarm around you in the mangroves. Long sleeves don't necessarily help as my group mates found out. DEET all over before you land on the island. Overall spend in Ecuador- approximately £300 including food, drink, tips and a little shopping.

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment I stepped foot on the top of the Valbone Pass - a real achievement for me to have conquered the climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian is an inspirational guide who is passionate about his country. He is knowledgeable, encouraging and supportive. We all learned so much about Albania and its history, as well as experiencing a fantastic, if challenging holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure your own fitness level. The early days of this holiday are challenging. I found them really difficult - primarily because I was inadequately prepared.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to climb 1600m in 35-40deg heat! Only achieved by the encouragement and support of the group and Armand and Marcella

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand could not have been more helpful. He provided maps for each day which gave the mileage and profile of the route, and information about the places we would visit. Have never had this on a trip before and it was very useful. Armand was also very well informed about his country, and I think all of the group learned things about Albania that would have been difficult to pick up from any other source.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some waterproof shoes/sandals so that you can walk up the gorge by the thermal pools. Take some snacks if you want more than fruit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to decide … maybe arriving at Semenggok Orang-utan Centre to be told the large male Ritchie was there and then see him walk on the ground in front of me probably 15/20 ft away, along the path and then climb up into the trees. The sheer size and strength of him was just awe inspiring. Or perhaps watching the pygmy elephants on the river bank, in particular two young males rough and tumbling in the water together whilst we sat in our boat watching.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was an enthusiastic leader who has a passion for his country and its wildlife which he happily shared with us. He often went above and beyond what was expected of him. For example he rose early in the morning to take the group on additional bird watching walks. His knowledge of the local area also meant that we always ate well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I used a lot of insect repellent (3 bottles) in the end. Buy a large plastic poncho that is fully rainproof (not just the odd shower) this covers both you and your rucksack; Borneo rain is something to experience! If you don't want to take advantage of the washing services provided - take a washing line and pegs with you. Also take light clothing that will dry quickly. I would recommend comfortable walk shoes and reef style strapy sandals, vest tops, shorts and a set of long trousers/sleeves. Leech socks can be bought locally very cheaply. Take a Borneo bird book as there are so many to identify and take binoculars if you have any.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day’s climb from sea level to the top of the Llogara Pass (1043m) – followed by a long freewheel back down to sea level. It was tough going in the heat, although mercifully the mercury did not climb to the 37 degrees it had reached on other days, but the climb was reasonably graded, meaning that none of our group failed to make it to the summit - and several of us were in our 60s. But there were cultural high points too (the citadel at Gjirokaster and the UNESCO site at Butrint) as well as everyday moments that will remain in the memory – like the friendliness of the locals with whom I watched the Denmark-Albania Euro 2016 qualifier, in an open air café.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand and Marsela looked after us very well indeed. They took care not to be too prescriptive, and not to intervene where no intervention was required, but were always there to help, and ever ready to chat - full of interesting snippets about Albania and its culture. It helped that they both speak impeccable English, and are full of enthusiasm for what they are doing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus rates this trip “Moderate” - suitable for anyone who is “in good health and reasonably fit” and “ideal for occasional cyclists”. But be prepared for lots of climbing. It is certainly not a stroll in the park.