Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch at Ana’s Taverna on the road near Çarçovë: the best food of the trip. Ana and her son made us feel really welcome and brought dish after dish of delicious home-grown, home-cooked food, finished with amazing honey cake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Armand shared his passion for his country and made sure everyone was safe and enjoyed themselves. No detail was too small.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had an extra day in Tirana at the start and two days in Berat at the end of our trip, which I highly recommend. Travelling by bus takes some getting used to: bus terminals seem to be on the outskirts of cities, so you need to factor in getting a local bus or taxi into the centre. Check the destination carefully. You’ll also need Lek, as the bus drivers we met weren’t keen on making change for €20 notes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a fish eagle swoop down metres in front of us on Lake Naivasha before soaring off again with a shriek, fish held tightly between its talons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clint had strong logistical skills getting us smoothly from one location to the next without any itinerary interrruptions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bus has an inverter and very convenient UK 3-prong plug points at each seat. I took a full-size pillow on the plane with me, which was great for the 9 nights of camping. I'd also suggest bringing along a torch or lantern that can be hung up inside the tent at night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling across the marshlands/rice fields of Amposta/Rapita and then stopping for the MOST authentic paella EVER! (I was so full I had to catch a ride back to the hotel on the "Van of Shame/Love" with Genci (our logistics coordinator/rescuer).

Thoughts on Group Leader

MIGUEL! The best! Enthusiastic, smart, funny, and always available to help solve any issues/problems.)

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was my 4th Exodus trip. I did two without e-Bikes (in Portugal), but chose to use an e-bike for this trip. I'm glad I did. I ride at home, but not a lot. If you're not in good shape, an e-bike guarantees you'll be able to manage the longer/steeper days. This trip is rated a 2 which I think is fair. There were a few days with more challenging rides - but mostly only for short stretches.

Most Inspirational Moment

The optional e-bike tour in Split and an evening food tour of Split that we booked independently. Plus the wine tasting at the H & K winery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Igor was outstanding.Very knowledgeable about Croatian history and the places we visited. Managed to keep a diverse group of nationalities (UK,USA,Canada) together as a sociable group and keep us to the tight and intense timetable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hotels were average. Just hair/body wash in showers, so you may want to take your own shampoo. Two of the hotels did not have lifts or luggage ramps on the outside steps, so consider size and weight of luggage. Limited time in Dubrovnik, so consider booking an extra night there. And have some relaxing time after an intense week. The cycling on Mljet Island involves traversing a steep hill at beginning and end of the lake tour. So consider going for the 20 Euro e-bike upgrade, unless you are a very fit and keen cyclist. If not, you will need to push a heavy trail bike up the hills.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cango Caves, Plettenberg Bay and the wildlife all in the running. The accommodation was all very good, but be aware that in the game reserve, not 5 star though more than comfortable enough for the remote location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Malik was a great leader. Knowledgeable, sociable and able to re-organise the programme to cope with some indifferent weather. He seemed to know most of the local population.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The accommodation was all very good, but be aware that in the game reserve, it is not 5 star though more than comfortable enough for the remote location. How can you watch penguins without laughing? Scenery often spectacular, even under cloud cover. We did not do the cable car to Table Mountain due to high winds. A couple of minor gripes: The vegetarian food at Franschoek I thought poor. Giving a fancy name to cabbage with onions as a starter does not get Michelin stars. No vegetarian main course and eventually serving plain gnocchi in what I though was tomato puree was not good enough. The American tipping culture is alive and well in Cape Town. You get to see the big 4 at Kariega, (Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Elephant) but it seems nobody has seen a leopard there. Overall though, another great trip with lots to see and do. See the Silo Art Gallery on the Cape Town waterfront if you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Path of the Gods was the ultimate cliffside hike with the most amazing views.l of the Mediterranean. Exploring the iconic coastal towns of Positano, Amalfi, and the peaceful hilltop terraces of Ravello. Standout day trip exploring the ancient streets of Pompeii and hiking to the top of Mount Vesuvius.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo Longo

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles and comfortable hiking shoes highly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was a fabulous week but there were a few incredible hightlights: the wraparound view of the Supramonte mountains from the hotel in Dorgali is just jaw dropping, particularly at sunset; Cala Luna beach before the crowds descend is beautiful; swimming in stunning waters at Cala Orosei beach with the softest sand; the big walk up to Tiscali and the stunning views across the valley, and bouldering in the incredible Gorrupo Gorge - just magical!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was just brilliant! Caring, calm and effortlessly professional and organised. He was social, friendly and knowledgeable. He's one of the best guides I've been with on an Exodus trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is rated moderate on the activity scale and there were stretches of the walks which were pretty steep or needed hands as well as feet to be engaged. We did the walks in 34degree heat and 60% humidity so unusual weather conditions which made some of the inclines a big tougher than normal, but be prepared for some rocky and rough terrain; and wear grippy shoes in the Gorge because the rocks are slick in places.

Most Inspirational Moment

The biking on the Curonian Spit in Lithuania was beautiful. I really enjoyed the smoked fish served for lunch along the way. I wished we could see more of the sea during the ride as the beautifully groomed trails went through the forest. Actually most of the rides went through the forest and we did hit rain. Riga in Latfia was my favorite city. Walking through the city after our bike ride was great, historical , good food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had Lina for 2 days. Andrius took over for the rest of the trip. They were both warm, enthusiastic, took care of us during the rides and were at our dinners every night. Andrius knew a lot about the history of the Baltics. He grew up under Russian rule so had a great perspective of the struggles Lithuania had and he had great stories of what has made the Baltics great today.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The biking is relatively flat with some small climbs which were tougher than expected as the bikes had only 8 gears.

Most Inspirational Moment

3 hours by boat (2of those hours in the dark), to watch the toucans and parrots at the largest clay lick in the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rolnad was the best! He had patience, and so much knowledge! He was always prepared to show us more. His abilities with scopes and cameras gave me some wonderful photos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you visit Peru, don’t miss the Amazon!

Most Inspirational Moment

Our visit to Machu Pichu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kleb was totally incredible. He was always there for us, and went over and above when I got sick. He was patient, knowledgeable, knew the best restaurants and overall, was very, very helpful. His historic knowledge about Machu Picchu was outstanding.