Cultural Holidays in Morocco

A very diverse bunch of people came together to experience the classic ‘cultural triangle’ and much more – but in a more in-depth way. Apart from the lovely people we encountered on our travels, the wildlife was one of my favourite aspects. My absolute favourite moment was when a monkey dropped from a tree onto our ‘snacks’ table and made off with one of the spicy biscuits (good choice!) – chaos/hilarity ensued!

Some of the riding days were tough – I hadn’t got as much training in as I had planned – but the back-up crew were always there to help! A few of the rides (particularly the big one) are on busy roads so would recommend a ‘commuter mask’ if your lungs are sensitive. The fumes from the buses can get a bit much. Although the people travelling on them, hanging out the doors and windows shouting encouragement, almost made up for it!

Keryn Vella Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka

I booked the Easter Island extension with Exodus at a cost of £1299 plus compulsory single supplement of 345. There was no loyalty discount. Flights from Santiago to EI were not included but if you book your own flights with LATAM it is possible to add the EI return to your ticket for far less than a standalone return ticket which costs around £800.
For the money charged by Exodus you get:- group transfer from Santiago hotel to airport for EI flight (a taxi would cost £25-30)
Picked up from airport and taken to hotel in EI (hotel offers a free pick up service)
3 nights at the Hotel Otai – per notice in reception charge for single room was $190, double room $260 us dollars
Two separate half day tours in a minibus and one full day trip – these cost around £25 for each half day tour and £70 gor full day with lunch but are multi lingual. We had mainly English speaking morning trip but Spanish/English in afternoon and mostly Spanish on day trip. When asked, our Guide suggested that you could have a private guide for around £100 a day – this would be preferable as English speaking and you could visit the various Moai sites at the best times of the day.
Transfer back to EI airport – again offered free by hotel.
Pick up at Santiago airport and taken to hotel – taxi would cost £25-30.
One night B&B at Santiago hotel
Airport transfer from hotel to airport for homeward flight but be warned – Exodus expected us to leave hotel at 05.20 for a flight leaving at 17.00 because they were only offering one transfer and one of our group was flying to Mexico on an early flight. Attempts to contact Exodus in UK went unanswered and local agent only arranged transfer after we had booked a taxi through hotel.
I fully appreciate that Exodus need to make a profit on their tours but there is a difference between making a profit and ripping off loyal customers.
It is much easier for couples to make their own arrangements than solo travellers but you could save almost half what Exodus charge by making your own arrangements and it would be straightforward to pre book tours, hotel etc.

Linda Stalker Easter Island Extension

An enjoyable trip and you do cover vast distances but for a 13 day trip too much time is spent hanging around in airports.
I note that the itinerary has been tweaked for 2025 so this may help a bit.
One word of warning for solo travellers (apart from the excessive single supplement) is that there are very few group meals. Our guide did not stay in the group hotel at Santiago so for first couple of nights you’re left to your own devices for evening meals. We then flew north to Atacama and again no group meals. Only once we were in the Lake District did guide arrange a group meal one night and then there were group meals all the time in Patagonia.
Scenery in Patagonia was fantastic and we had a couple of decent walks.
Apart from San Pedro de Atacama the hotels were all good although wifi often only in reception area.
Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere so you don’t need much cash. Wine is cheaper than beer or soft drinks and evening meals no dearer than UK.
Be prepared for a lot of early starts and quite a few breakfast boxes.

Linda Stalker Discover Chile (2024)