Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in 36 degree heat on a manual bike. Never thought I could finish it but I did!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very enthusiastic and obviously passionate about his country. Also very experienced and always ready with anything (tips, suggestions, delicious fruits, insect repellent, alcohol gel) to make our experience even better. The support team were also great - we couldn't have done it without them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

E-bikes might be worth the upgrade Don't overpack, cheap laundry can be organised

Most Inspirational Moment

Enjoyed impromptu wedding processions in Oaxaca, along with some protests ( which were loud, noisy musical affairs accompanied by huge wooden framed figures carried on shoulders of dancing men) . The cooking lesson in Oaxaca was very good .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adriana was an excellent guide/tour leader . She provided lots of information and suggestions for eating establishments ( for all budgets) . Even downloaded a ton of music ( nominated by us travellers) to her phone so it could be played on minibus stereo system .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Learn a few words of spanish, such as please, thank you and I am sorry. Dont leave your manners at home ! Carry a reusable/refillable water bottle as temperatures can get very high and you drink more ( water available on mini bus) , especially when wandering around sites of historical interest . Have some closed toe shoes/sandals as the steps up Mayan pyramids can be uneven / rocky / jagged.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Shibu was fantastic as were all of the team.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Teotihuacan ruins near Mexico City, Palenque, and Chichen Itza were all different, yet amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader, Adriana, is absolutely excellent. She was very organized, informative, and helpful. She made our trip fun in many ways like making playlists of our requested music to pass the long road trips. This also inspired positive group dynamics.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long days of travel. The temperatures in March are very hot (mid-30s celsius).

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the remaining caldera of Mt Vesuvius was indeed impressive and then walking on the pumice still adorning the Amalfi coast, many miles distant provided a new impression of the catastrophe that occurred in 79 AD. Also, I was struck by the presence of herbs growing wild all over the region in the hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As I stated above, our group leader was fantastic. He was clearly passionate about his roots there, which was infectious for all of us. His knowledge of everything local was unsurpassed. He kept our days light hearted and ensured the safety of all. He has a great sense of humor, yet maintained order in the group with excellent leadership skill. This is my second trip with Exodus, and thus far, I have experienced two phenomenal group leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this trip was designated moderate in difficulty, it is far less challenging than the hiking around Mont Blanc in France. Still, I would recommend that participants spend time walking and hiking on a regular basis prior to the trip. There are some rather challenging inclines.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing quetzals in the grounds of the Savegre Hotel, and then again on a wildlife walk the next day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny's enthusiasm for his country and its conservation was infectious and we learned an extraordinary amount. Johnny is an expert bird and wildlife spotter and was kind and considerate to every member of our group. The places he chose to eat were great and the early morning walks were lovely. We couldn't have had a better leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go to the Savegre Hotel, take advantage of their hide in the gardens, we spent a couple of hours engrossed in watching the hummingbirds - magical

Most Inspirational Moment

The harbour Dhow cruise and the Dolphin Pod we saw. The Cattle market and the witnessing of Omani traditional life. Nizwa forts and Mountains. Walking in the Wadis

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was helpful and his bus talks and guiding expanded our knowledge. It was Ramadan and managing that and tourist guiding must have been challenging. The driver was exceptional of the tour bus and the 4 Wd drivers also filled one with confidence despite the challenging terrain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Add on a trip to Salalah for 3 days to visit the Frankincense trail. Add an extra day in Muscat for additional museums

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera has to be a highlight. We stayed in a charming cave hotel in the heart of the old Sassi area, ideal for investigating the many enchanting alleyways and nearby ravines. It would have been easy to spend a whole week there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tancredi proved to be an exceptional leader with a thorough knowledge of the area, having been acquainted with it for much of his life. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for him. He was engaging, helpful and knowledgeable and got on with every member of our 12-strong group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is pleasant rather than spectacular for much of the time but thoroughly enjoyable. The weather for our trip in March was ideal. I can imagine it might become extremely hot in midsummer, when of course crowds will also descend on beautiful places such as Matera and Ostuni.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania De Paoli was Excellent. Thoroughly knowledgeable of the area, extremely enthusiastic and went out of her way to be sure everyone had a great time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Thoroughly recommend both the experience of this holiday and Exodus Travel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Palenque pyramids and Oaxaca wedding processions final meal in a Mayan family home (also independent visit to Churmula Church )

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent knowledgeable friendly helpful flexible

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bear in mind there are many hours on the road in an uncomfortable minibus. Double check well before departure that Frida Kahlo's house is included as per itinerary. We didn't find out it wasn't until arriving in Mexico so far too late to do anything about it and very disappointing