Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Verdon Gorges hike was truly magnificent. Spectacular views and quite easy hiking trail to follow. Hiking in the natural scenery along the canyon,listening to the sounds of nature and chatting to fellow hikers is my idea of a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jean Bernard is a lovely man, very informative on the flora , fauna , historical and geological areas. He has a passion for his career which shines through. He is a very experienced hiking guide and looked after the group very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully and plan accordingly. I chose this trip as i love France and i wished to spend my birthday hiking. As mentioned above be aware of the grade of hiking and the temperature at the time of year to make sure it will be suitable for you. I would recommend wearing long pants over shorts as they protect from sun exposure, insect bites and thorn scratches.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swim at the beach at Positano following walk of the gods. Last evening meal at the hotel. Lemoncello in Positano.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Took every opportunity to profiteer from the group for example we were over charged as a group on taxi rides in the idle if Capri should have been 20 euros for group of 7 however Eduardo charged 20 euros per person. He used every opportunity to profiteer from group.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to chose between the sunrise a Angkor Wat which although cloudy was a great experience, the homestay which was a real insight and fantastic experience. However I think for all of our group one key momentous event was meeting the 2 only survivors of the S21 prison in Cambodia, this will stay with me forever and I feel honoured to have met such strong, inspirational characters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our instructor Is was hard working, dedicated and a true professional. Nothing was too much and I do feel she went above and beyond to ensure the trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all, which in itself was a difficult fate having such a wide range of nationalities, age groups and personalities. Is ensured that every single one of the group felt fully involved and we very much felt like a real team immediately. She is a real asset to Exodus, her personal pride and work ethic is admirable. the success of the trip is testament to this. If there was an award for group leader of the year, she would without doubt receive 18 votes, 1 from every member of our group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Decent cycle shorts with gel padding and lots of mosquito spray, a huge memory card for your camera.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the sand dunes in the desert. It was physically very challenging but also beautiful and exilarating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erdene (Eddie) was an excellent group leader. His English is excellent and he is very knowledgable. He was very attentive and accommodated everyone on the group, despite very different needs. He was well organized and advocated for the group when necessary. I'd highly recommend him!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip involves lots of long drives over bumpy terrain. The scenery is beautiful and I found the drives quite relaxing. Staying in the ger camps was fun, and interesting. It was more luxurious than I expected, but having said that, there were times when there wasn't electricity, most times the water was cold, and at times water (shower and toilet) was not available. Realize though, that if you can't tolerate such drives and lack of water, or cold water, this trip is not for you (a number of people on my group couldn't, and all they did was complain). After all people, this is the desert!!

Most Inspirational Moment

After a rigorous climb up to the alpine hut at the Three Peaks I was ready for lunch and was treated to an absolutely superb goulash with a variety of fresh baked breads. To get that quality of food out in the middle of nowhere was remarkable, all the more so as the price was reasonable! It puts all the overpriced lousy food in tourist traps to shame.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The self guided notes were thorough and trails well marked, barely used the maps which seemed like a bit of a waste. The walks are very straight forward, did not miss having a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t pay too much attention to the suggested itinerary. Weather is a more important factor and how ambitious you feel on a given day. Make good use of the spa, it really helps to rejuvenate those tired legs! Not sure if it is s misprint, but the stated summer temperature of 20-22 is misleading. Yes, it is chilly at night and at peak altitude, but during the day in July it is HOT!! More like 32 in Dobbiaco during the afternoons, but it does cool off very pleasantly in the evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were fortunate that a Croatian music festival was going on while we were visiting the old city of Dubrovnik, and were able to hear symphonic and operatic music within the old walled city one evening after a dinner.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Zelko Zarak, was a very knowledgeable leader with superb English skills. In addition to his historical and local knowledge, he was more like a friend than guide, integrating himself into our group dinners and activities. Even though our Dubrovnik dinner ended around midnight, he still encouraged us to listen to the Croatian music festival, while still keeping the group together under very crowded circumstances. Truly, I believe he is a reason why our group of 15 bonded so well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As our tour included several walks along city walls, a climb up to the top of Montokuc, and many optional climbs up church steeples and minarets, booking the tour in cooler months may be a plus. We went in mid-July.

Most Inspirational Moment

Early June was a great time to go (green landscapes and some lavender/sunflowers) not too hot for comfortable walking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yuves was a perfect, very experienced tour manager/walking guide - well organised, great knowledge of the routes and local history. He was very conscious of peoples' differing abilities and client safety. As well as the expected walks, Yuves frequently 'went the extra mile' by introducing to some 'extra' beautiful villages. (On one day, when I left my walking pole behind he insisted on walking back some distance to retrieve it for me!) Because of his friendliness, great sense of humor and efficiency he is my nomination for 'Tour Manager of the Year'.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the final day, after an extremely steep climb, celebrating at the top of a pass with fantastic views. Finally getting a good look at marmots that we'd heard alarm-calling all week. Floating silently down a mountain in a chair lift - magical! Often, if we stopped and looked back, we could see our impressive path for miles behind. We regularly felt a sense of real pride as we realised what we had achieved.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We did not walk with Lizz's group, but she was extremely helpful, friendly and organised regarding other aspects of the holiday. We have had Albert as Group Leader on a previous trip (Espedalen, cross-country skiing) and we were delighted to discover that he was leading us again. His laid-back style engenders a really nice atmosphere in a group and he has the knack of making you work just hard enough to feel achievement without feeling pushed too hard. His selection of routes was surprisingly varied and we would love to have him leading us on future trips.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles. There were lots of long, steep descents and poles really help take the strain off knees. Take a backpack hydration system. It can be hot, hard work and regular sips of water as you go along are much better than waiting until the stops and then drinking loads. Prepare for the holiday by improving your fitness as much as you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the villages and towns always places you nearer the local people and their cultures, but the scenery made the trip for me personally. Visiting the beaches and the salt pools added to the variety of the Mediterranean countryside and a stop for photos of Sardinia's flamingos was always going to be a treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikele and Giovanni were very caring and attentive to our needs and worked hard to ensure the whole group were together at important points/ junctions. Their local knowledge was extremely comprehensive and this added to the whole trip. We have to especially thank them for their thoughtfulness towards ensuring that those with special diets were catered for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it wasn't for the fact that there is so much to see and do in the world I would do it again. If you are thinking about doing it and it all seems within your range, then do it! You will not be disappointed and the coastal scenery in June is beautifully colourful. Be mindful of looking after yourself in the sun( although it wasn't overpoweringly hot ) and you will enjoy the company of like-minded cyclists.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery,it was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl Mather was brilliant!! His leadership skills were excellent,his knowledge of the area was second nature.He was very interesting and made our holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip with Karl,you will have a great ,interesting trip.