Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

2 winners for me; Petra at night - to see the treasury lit up at night and to walk down the gorge lit by lanterns was simply magical against the beautiful night sky. Also camping in the bedouin camp. This was also truly magical; sleeping under the incredible night sky, sitting around the campfire then watching shooting stars until we could no longer keep our eyes open - I will never forget this night!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayyad was brilliant - great sense of humour and always looking for the best experiences for us such as joining us to climb to the high place of sacrifice in Petra but then showing us an alternative longer route down. He clearly loves his country and did his best to teach us about his culture and language which all went towards making the trip even more special. As a vegetarian, he was great at always ensuring that I was catered for when we had our evening meals and did a good job of organising a group meal almost every night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it! Be prepared for lots of walking, especially on the days visiting Petra and for varying temperatures eg Aqaba typically much hotter than Amman. Wearing loose clothing covering knees shoulders (for women) was actually great at keeping cool. As a vegetarian, main meals were scarce but there was always something to eat, usually mezze style dishes - just be prepared for limited choice. Don't take your best swimwear to the dead sea - the mud might not come out afterwards..!! Walking sandals are fine for most days but walking shoes at least for Petra as it's difficult underfoot at times. Do Petra by night - don't expect much and you might be surprised! It was a highlight for me. If you have room, take your own snorkel to save renting them in Aqaba and if you're a cat lover, some cat treats will be very much welcomed by the Jordanian cats..! I was very popular..! Cash was needed for the optional trips but I mainly used cards in shops and at restaurants - they were accepted widely. Finally no need to take towels and all hotels had hairdryers!

Most Inspirational Moment

Our first day walking up to L’Aiguillette des Posettes was the highlight of the week because the weather was superb. On a couple of the days mist shrouded the hillsides but even then I enjoyed the terrain and the atmosphere within the forest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I think I've said enough about him already ;)

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need a reasonable level of fitness, but the walks are all doable unless you really do have bad vertigo. Don't bother with poles unless you use them at home - they're just a hindrance.

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorgeous long hikes along the coast to remove places like Loutro, Preveli Beach, and the marble beach. (Note that we were unable to hike the Somaria Gorge on day two, due to a tragic rock slide that killed one and trapped others, so I can’t speak to that hike. My understanding is that it is the most striking of the hikes, and one of the most physically challenging.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Because our two guides were local, the information about Crete and Greece was unique and wonderful. Occassionally, language and culture impacted communications, as should be expected, but it wasn't a huge issue. We loved them both.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was a great trip for me and my wife (age 63), but no trip is for everyone. To help others decide if this trip is right for them, I’m going to share some of the positive and negative feedback we heard from others in the group. Some days at the beginning of the week were more strenuous and long than some in our group wanted. Other days at the end of the week didn’t have as much hiking as some participants wanted. Also, be aware that two of the hotels in remote areas weren’t top-notch – no drinkable tap water, tiny showers, very basic breakfasts, and small rooms. For us, these two hotels were still lovely for a brief one-night stay. However, if high-quality hotels are important to you, this trip might not be for you. The other hotels during the rest of the week were much nicer, and the one in Rethymno where we stayed two nights was exceptional in all ways. For us, the week offered a good mix of things that we couldn’t or wouldn't have done without a local guide. We’re pretty fit, and were looking for a very active week, so the itinerary worked for us. But if you are not looking for long, strenuous, and hot hiking, this trip may not be for you. That’s not Exodus’s fault, it’s just that different trips fit different people. It should also be noted that this is the first summer Exodus has offered this trip, and they are seem to still be fine-tuning it. For instance, the wine tasting was dropped, apparently due to feedback. I’m confident the trip will get even better over time as Exodus adjusts based on customer suggestions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying inside the ancient citadel of Berat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Edjon (Ed), and our driver Medi, were both great fun. It would be impossible not to have a good time in their company! Ed also arranged for lots of little extra visits, tastings etc that significantly enhanced the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t expect the slickest tourist experience in Albania (e.g. the dishes you order in a restaurant may not come out in the order you expected); just roll with it. Do expect friendly people and a very safe country. Don’t go in peak summer unless you’re OK with very hot weather – September was a very pleasant time to be there. Changing money in exchange offices is extremely easy, and there’s no commission.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being peaceful in the beautiful scenery and with some dramatic Atlantic skies

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader Dinis was excellent as were the support team of Leonel and Filipe. They were all very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider an e-bike if you think the ascents might be a challenge for you. You can keep it on a low level and still get some exercise. I changed to an e-bike for the last day as my knees were aching and I really enjoyed the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our local leader Sandrine really made this trip! She is a mountain guide and having her lead and making my group feel so comfortable with the walks, was great. Teaching us some tips and tricks for the descents was helpful and will be using on future trips!

Most Inspirational Moment

Not on the itinerary (seeing the Royal Opera House) by night. The grand mosque, only our group inside before 9am, I walked in not expecting much looked up, and had a wow moment. The turtle nesting, a starry night by the ocean seeing turtles through the 5 stages, unreal. Very lucky to have seen this at the end of the season. I loved the 4x4 driving to the Canyon and the drive through the date plantations. The last two days, I thought were the best, raw nature at your fingertips. The souk in Nizwa was very chilled, a relaxed experience. The cattle market was an eye opener. The Desert was a bit disappointing, after Wadi Rum, Sossusvlei it didn't do much for me. The hotel was good, yet I thought there would be more to do. A special week where we enjoyed everything in peace. The six of us, and few other tourists in sight for the majority of the week, because of the fear of travelling to the Middle East and the heat. The Omanis are very welcoming and I felt safe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Ahmed provided fantastic insight, culture, and personal stories detailing the lifestyle of the Omanis on the trip. Fascinating. Ask questions to find out more. The drivers were great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear linen. You'll be covered up most of the trip. The only people I saw on the trip not appropriately dressed were Brits in strappy dresses! There are signs everywhere about the dress code and respecting the culture, yet this group couldn't manage to put clothes on. Bring a UV umbrella and electric fan if you are not very good with heat. It was 43 degrees for us in September! A lot of travelling, not much walking on the trip if you are into your fitness. Don't forget your refillable water bottle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting around during down times or at meal times hearing other people's stories. It was great getting to know the other travelers, laughing and sharing experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jordan was brilliant! He set the tone for the whole week, making it fun and safe. He provided great routes to walk, all sorts of fascinating knowledge, and kept an eye out for the needs of each individual. His passion was evident in his respect and care for the group and the locals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be willing to be open and engage with the other travelers. It makes a huge difference in the whole experience, even if you are doing this solo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nelio was a very competent guide and was careful to ensure the walks were within the groups capability and always went at a pace to suit everyone. He was very careful on safety and clearly highlighted any areas to be careful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather did change a lot during our week so bring layers, waterproofs and suncream!

Most Inspirational Moment

Carla, on her own, provided a gracious lunch for us one day after a material hike. This was a most kind and moving gesture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above; non pareil.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask for Carla; no INSIST ON CARLA!