Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving zebra crossings in Marrakech!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohamed Id Balaid was a great guide. He quietly organised everything for us, including a couple of route changes due to previous flood damage to the trails. Good humour, kindness and a genuine interest in our group. Good English-speaker, with decent knowledge of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles and a water bladder are useful on this trek, as are decent boots. We were able to buy sealed water in 5 litre bottles, which cut down on plastic waste. Cash machines opposite Hotel Gomassine. As mules carry the bulk of your kit, it would be possible to take a decent camera in your day pack. Tents are a bit small if you're sharing with a newly-met friend. Some walking snacks are useful, along with a toilet roll and some zip lock bags.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit on day 3 after a steep hike and long segment of scrambling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The two group leaders were excellent: patient with the range of hiker abilities, friendly, and (most importantly) safe.

Most Inspirational Moment

watching the amazing team of porters and chefs running past us on the trail getting to the lunch point many hours before we got there and then creating such amazing food for us all but not before clapping us all back into camp, they were such an amazing team chef Isaac and Albert created magic on a gas ring they even made a cake!!! our team of porters lead by Cipriano are all amazing. It was a magical day when we finally scrambled up the monkey steps to reach the sun gate and get the first glimpse of Manchu Pichu!! something that I will never forget is the team work of the whole group some of us fast some slow ( that was me at some points) but having great conversations on the way up and down the trail, day 2 is tricky but so worth it, you feel a sense of achievement on every day that you overcame a challenge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was amazing, full of knowledge and passions for his beautiful country, always checking our oxygen levels every day to make sure we were ready for the trail.. nothing was too much especially when it came to a group members birthday he arranged a cake, flowers and a bottle of wine!! also when we finished the Inca trail and the second visit we found ourselves in a situation where the train was cancelled due to the strike action but he found a way for us to reach our destination and we saw the real Peru where the local people become very ingenious to get from A to B and saw many hidden things that we wouldn't have seen on the train, we did have an accident with a group member but both Edwind and the second guide Heber Gonzales sprang into action to help her and get her to a hospital to receive treatment. at the end of the trip he also gave us Pucara bulls in a lucky dip!! He is a very attentive, caring, fun and energetic and generous leader and an inspiration that no matter were you start in life you can be anything you want to be!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

nothing will prepare you for the altitude but lots of running helps cash is king although lots of towns have contactless payments the small remote islands on lake Titicaca don't. Don't hesitate and book it and enjoy the wonder and magic of the Andes and its beautiful hospitable people

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose! But the visits to the disused Soviet missile base at Plokstine, the KGB museum in Vilnius, and the Great Dune at Nida with it's view of Kaliningrad were all vital parts of the journey. On a lighter note, the Latvian Ballet in Riga was delightful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius Marzimas was truly outstanding, even by Exodus's high standards. His knowledge and love of the Baltics was deep, and he shared this generously wth his dry wit and willingness to talk in depth. He included all group members, and arranged great social meals and events, such as sampling local beverages and food, also Jazz and Folk music evenings. Andrius made this trip memorable and great fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check what's on at the Riga Opera House for reasonably priced tickets to great opera and ballet. Don't miss the KGB/ occupation museums in Riga or Vilnius. However, be prepared for the emotional impact there. And - pack your own sink plug - strangely absent from several hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

The waterfalls were spectacular!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vana was very nice and a great hiker. I wish she would have been more communicative with us about the history and culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful with what you eat and the homes up the mountains are quite difficult (days - Thursday and Friday). Check with your leader to ensure the walk aligns with the itinerary and notes. The hotel information has not been updated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was different, but my favourite trek was Lake Blanc which was beautiful, and the hike was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was a brilliant group leader. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and the different routes and also very friendly and went above and beyond to help each of us have the best week possible. He really helped keep everyone motivated and entertained on what were sometimes quite gruelling hikes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were very lucky with the weather, but even on the warmest days it was cold in the mornings, so bring layers to put on and take off. A set of water proofs, just in case, is also a good idea. Some of the hikes were more challenging than we expected. If you're reasonably fit and are okay to do the occasional scrambling over rocks or up ladders you will be fine, but by the end of the week I think we were all physically tired and glad to finish. Also, plan ahead for the day off so you don't have to scramble to find something to do or end up with no plans. Chamonix is lovely but you won't want to spend all day wandering around the shops and cafes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. The merging of soviet influences on top of earlier history in Tashkent, breathtaking buildings in Samarkand, treasures around every corner in Khiva, the desert, remote settlements and 2500 year old forts, making dumplings during the homestay, wonderful people...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muhammed was a fabulous group leader. Not only did he share his expert knowledge of the country past and present, but he managed the logistics of the trip seamlessly so that we could just relax and enjoy the adventure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Currency - take US dollars, easy to change them at the airport on arrival or at exchange booths in the cities. Clothing for ladies - best I suggest to be covered from shoulders to below the knees to fit in with local norms. At religious sites you will need a head covering (I used a scarf for protection from the sun as well, others had a hat). I did see one or two ladies in vest tops and shorts in the cities, and they were not getting frowned at but personally I would have felt uncomfortable vs what locals were wearing. Shopping - Samarkand or Khiva for silk scarfs and clothing. Bukhara for embroidery eg wall hangings - the quality here is better than the earlier cities. If shopping in the cities vendors will happily quote in USD or euros but once you have agreed a price, if you are paying by card will of course convert back to som for the transaction...watch the exchange rate, I'd suggest better to haggle in som. We usually got around 10-15% off through haggling. Travel - there are some long journeys by road and rail. Aircon on the trains goes off in the stations, and you can be there for half an hour, so be prepared to get hot! The road to the Aral sea is awful - more potholes than tarmac. Everyone is very welcoming - don't be surprised if you are asked for your photo, or to have strangers coming up to you for a chat. Security is absolutely not a concern. Food - good, and cheap! Though veggies in our group did struggle on occasion. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip - go, and enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise and sunset from the terrace

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Single travellers who pay the supplement should request a double room. Lot's of fish and seafood so bear this in mind and request an alternative when booking if you don't like or can't eat fish

Most Inspirational Moment

The views, food and wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

No air conditioning or ceiling fans in farmhouse. Awesome hikes with no other tourists.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sandstone cliffs in Latvia, fascinating. Views of Riga from Hotel Island, and unexpectedly travelling with the Estonian Prime Minister.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was excellent, knowledgeable, great company, well organised and caring. He dealt very well , and diplomatically with all situations

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try it, you'll enjoy and learn a lot about the troubled history of the baltics.