Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning and tranquil Iskanderkul Lake and breathtaking Registan Square by night

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had different leaders in each country. Both were great in different ways and both tried hard to offer a positive experience

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get your Tajik visa through Exodus to avoid additional stress but be aware that either way that the Tajiks leave processing til very late. Book pre tour accommodation for at least 1 night as the flights arrive in the early morning and the long days dont allow for much recovery time As the trip starts over the weekend many banks are shut for money changing but cards were fairly widely accepted in the capital. Even the open banks looked shut so try the door!

Most Inspirational Moment

Last day of the trip in Valencia

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great trip as its not too strenuous, very flat all the way apart from 2 days but where each have about 15 minutes of hill climbing which is steep. If you want to enjoy it even more, take that e bike upgrade.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the towns we visited were beautiful and had great restaurants and were not crowded even though peak season. Noto and Modica in particular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Matteo was an excellent, he escorted his group of ducklings along some quite busy roads and down some steep descents ensuring all the time we were keeping up and safe. Sebastian, the van driver also did a fabulous job, providing icy water at every stop and helping with intersection crossings. Both men were very attentive and the whole group was very appreciative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was glad I had bought hi vis cycling gloves and good bike shorts. It was hot being June, but I like the heat coming from Australia and I was riding an e bike, whilst half of the group rode regular bikes. The rest of my group were all far more experienced than me, but I kept up well. I bought very light bright trekking T shirts and had little luggage. Don't forget your swimmers!! :)

Most Inspirational Moment

Tasting real truffles in the area where they grow was fantastic, the wine tasting was a highlight and the descent to the castle ruins at Dvigrad was wonderful (beware, you have to cycle up a little way at the end of the descent so be prepared!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Boban was very nice and personable. However, he lacks some of the skills that many of the Exodus cycling leaders use to make these holidays extra special. Whilst he provided a few little gems, it would have been great to learnt more about the history & culture of this wonderful area & country. Also, we went to fantastic places but weren’t always given the advice and time to make the most of them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask for mountain bikes when you book the trip. Ask every day where you are going and look them up so you know which places you would like to explore, and ask for the time to do so

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was so enjoyable and interesting, so it is difficult to pick out a special moment. Maybe the trip to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lina was our leader for the first few days, from the start in Tallinn and then Andrius took over for the rest of the tour as we left Estonia. They were both absolutely excellent, with really detailed knowledge of the route, the cycling paths, the very interesting history, the food and the cities. They were both inspirational in different ways - with Andrius having an amazing sense of humour as well, which really appealed to me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a tour not to be missed, even for non cyclists - and e-bikes are available. A great way to experience three adjacent countries in an often forgotten part of Europe. I have come home better informed about their very difficult history and with a much greater appreciation of the area, including its beauty and friendly people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sukman was extremely experienced and professional, so we knew we were in good hands from day one. His humour, knowledge and encouragement brought us together and got us over the pass and to the end of the trek safely, and especially when we were tired on longer days. I’m sure we’ll all miss his evening lessons over dinner about Buddhism and local culture, and the effort he and the trek team put in to make it an unforgettable couple of weeks!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You're unlikely to see anyone else on the route except for a few yak herders, so if you're keen on point to point trekking and want to get away from it all (and don't mind roughing it a bit!) then I can't recommend it enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Etosha national park ! The first game drive we saw lion cubs and the zebras wondering in the campsite were so cool !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was very insightful and especially knowledgeable when it came to locating animals in Etosha national park which made it particularly memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have allergies do not hesitate to book . I was very worried coming on this trip about such needs but they really accommodate to the best they can and take the time to understand such dietary requirements to ensure you have the best time possible . Appreciate this isn’t always possible but from my experience MC was brilliant .

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. I had never seen anything like it in my life before - hundreds, if not thousands of people watching and queuing to walk past the room holding the tooth, each bearing gifts of flowers. The smell of these filled the place and it was just a fascinating experience. Also visiting the elephant transit home - watching the baby elephants being fed and their expressions and different characters. So cute!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was absolutely the best group leader I have ever had on an Exodus tour! As I landed in Colombo he had already set up a WhatsApp group for the trip and was in reception of the hotel when I arrived. When things didn't go to plan with the weather he kept us in the loop with a possible alternative and when plan B had to be put into action the day went so smoothly due to his organisation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use the ATM at the airport to withdraw cash. As others have said - temple socks are a must to stop your feet from burning on the hot stones. It will probably rain at some stage during the trip but often this does not last long and the temperature is still high so rather than wearing a thick raincoat on the days when you are in towns or hopping on and off the bus, consider a thin plastic poncho - lighter to carry and will allow you to be a bit cooler than a raincoat. If in two minds about the white water rafting, go for the harder one as it really wasn't that challenging!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was a fantastic guide: knowledgeable, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and blessed with a great sense of humor.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Highly recommended