Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Alberobello and staying in the trullo house and walking around Alberobello. But saying that I enjoyed everywhere we went on the trip and all the places we saw - Matera was also fascinating to wander around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Generally good. Knowledgeable and helpful. Did some good guided tours around places we visited and suggested good places to go in free time. He dealt with a difficult (and quite frankly unpleasant and rude) client in a polite and professional manner - she was not the usual client you would expect on an Exodus trip and seemed to have completely unrealistic expectations of for example accommodation (asking if there would be a swimming pool in historic building in historic city centre!! (embarrassing)). The rest of the group felt sorry for her travelling companion (who was nice). He dealt well with the change of plan when we could not go to the masseria for the pasta making demonstration and lunch, finding a great local alternative restaurant and arranging the drink and buffet dinner at the Lecce hotel which was appreciated. Changed the itinerary for Lecce so guided city tour was in morning instead of afternoon (as it said in trip notes). This is the way it should be as you want to do a city tour before free time to get some ideas of places to go back to so the trip itinerary should be changed to reflect this. Areas for improvement - (1) it would have been helpful to have an overall summary of the trip and events on each day on the first briefing, (2) I would have liked more than 1 hours notice (on the bus) of the option for the free day - opportunity to go to both Monopoli and the caves by minibus and the cost of this. I think we should have also be advised of public transport availability (it seems that public transport is limited so it is likely I would have thought that the minibus was the best option but I felt pressured into the minibus option at this short notice), - I think this is something that should have been mentioned on the overall summary on the first night (3) I was surprised that only 3 group evening meals were offered. When I have done Exodus trips in the past group evening meals were offered on every night except the free day (4) I was surprised he didn't know or inform us that there would be a procession and fireworks on our last night in Matera (as an extension of the 2 July saints day)

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra by night.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. Unfortunately this cannot make up for the extremely negative experience I had with a supplier Exodus continues to do business with yet claims it is unable to obtain an explanation from.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to Jordan! But don't book with Exodus. I have friends who have traveled to Jordan with competitor companies and have thankfully not had the woeful and distressing experience I had with Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sarajevo

Thoughts on Group Leader

Young and new to guiding. However very organised and aware of the group's needs. Commited to the role.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking the boat to Capri was breathtaking !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano was phenomenal -so knowledgeable engaging fun enjoyable and concerned for everyone’s health and making sure we all had a fabulous time which we did!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go enjoy and have fun!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The bear hide! We saw about 9 bears in total including cubs - an amazing experience to see bears in the wild.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sebi was superb - a brilliant wealth of knowledge, made sure everyone in the group was included, and had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As someone else has mentioned - take earplugs! You will hear the dogs barking throughout the night.

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorgeous coastline at the Lahemaa national park, Tallinn old town, hill of witches trail

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petras was a great tour guide; interesting, helpful and friendly at all times

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a leisurely tour, but be prepared for lots of walking around towns, often on cobbled streets, so bring comfortable footwear!

Most Inspirational Moment

Picnic at one of the lakes was so peaceful plus seeing the golden eagles flying.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both terrific and nominated for awards - Vitaliy in the first two countries & Dilshot in Uzbekistan.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget a torch for your yurt stay ;)

Most Inspirational Moment

The evening in the bear hide was so memorable. Saw lots of bears and cubs - an amazing experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really excellent. Very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great flowers in May/June, the meadows were incredible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably when our tour leader confided that he is housing in his roof both a large colony of horseshoe bats AND stone martens (which I had never heard of before). Talk about walking the walk as a conservationist..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. As a walking leader, Julian had put great thought into a lovely variety of walks; his relationship with the people in Yagodina and the hotel is deeply impressive and it felt as though we got special treatment because of him; and his knowledge of the wildlife is HUGE. An expert on bears, but so much more besides. And he is good company

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trip notes are very good, so nothing to add there. I thought that it was worth spending an extra day at the end to visit Sofia, especially as I was able to get a more convenient flight home that way

Most Inspirational Moment

Unfortunately, I was carrying an injury so wasn’t able to do any of the walks, but I was welcomed with open arms by Laura and Gonzalo, our hosts, who immediately made me feel so welcome. I very quickly felt like a member of the family and by making me so comfortable they contributed to the enjoyment of my break to the extent we parted as friends. The walks, from seeing my partner’s photos, looked stunning and this was backed up by the comments from the rest of the group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was brilliant! A pleasure to be around, he integrated well with the group, he was extremely knowledgable about the area as well as very funny! He is a credit to Exodus and any group is lucky to have him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring all weather clothes, there’s snow on some of the walks (apparently!) and, whilst we had good weather for the most part, there were some stormy days and heavy rain at times.