Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The ride along the Amalfi Coast towards Positano was one of the most spectacular stretches of road that I have ever ridden on with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. There were plenty of short climbs but the views helped to take my mind off this, particularly looking across to the island of Capri.One evening we took a boat from Amalfi to an isolated beach restaurant. The food was excellent and the whole thing was a unique experience which rounded off the week nicely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was excellent. He was very friendly and helpful and quickly became part of the group. He had excellent local knowledge having lived in the area for 17 years and he took the opportunity to show us a few of his favourite little secrets along the way. These were a very pleasant surprise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had one very wet day which was a surprise at this time of year, so don't forget a lightweight waterproof jacket. That said, the rest of the week had fantastic weather and was an ideal temperature for cycling.Try and find the energy for the optional extra climbs, as the scenery is excellent from these and it felt rewarding to complete them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the desert and snowy landscapes in a space of several days!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great organiser.  Struck a good rapport with the tour group.  Went out of his way to deal with emergencies eg wet luggage etc.  Good local knowledge.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have time, try to do the Amazon extension on this tour as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around the walls of Dubrovnik, after the guided tour- the views were great  The views from Montokuc on Mljet – worth the effort  Cocktails in the tower (Korcula) 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Always happy to answer any of our questions. Good at keeping us organised, but without making us feel hurried. Though he wanted to tell/shows us more around places like Split he couldn't due to guide regulations, but was always on hand for a suggestion of something interesting we should see.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go for the walk up the Montokuc on Mljet buy some lunch in the shop on the island. Our climb took longer then expected and as a result we didn't get back in time to order food from the restaurant before the boat back – but there was time for a well deserved quick pint!   If you are getting any Kuna before you depart it's handy to have some 10s, 20s, & 50 notes. One course meal and drink can vary between 80-150. If you have smaller denominations it just makes life easier (Instead of everyone trying to break 200 notes)  Like others I wasn't initially sure about going to Mostar, but glad I went. Though the drive was 3+ hours it was good to see another country/culture. As many of the group reasoned -you're more likely to return to Dubrovnik for a long weekend, then to pop to Mostar.

Most Inspirational Moment

An exhilarating summit!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was a fantastic guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

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Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter Hoogstaden was fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights, it's hard to pick out the ones to put here. The peacefull atmosphere of the Napo reserve, and the frog chorus that you fell asleep to every night. The amazing views across the jungle canopy from the observation tower were wonderfull. Seeing the Giant Otters was very special.The Galapagos Islands were stunning, each with their own character. To be able to view the wildlife so closely, was a real experiance. Snorkelling with Green Pacific Sea Turtles, Sea lions, Penguins and Cormorants were all amazing, and seeing the Blue Footed Boobies doing their courtship dance was also very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the Tour Guides were great. Stefan in Quito, Robby in Nappo and Juan in Galapagos were so knowledgeable and had such enthusiam. They looked after you very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't just think about doing this trip, just do it! An amazing experiance awaits. High deet insect repellant required in Napo, and high factor sunscreen for Galapagos as the sun is so strong. Definately worth doing the cable car ride in Quito, the views are amazing from up the mountain. The Equator museum is also nice to do if you have a few hours to spare. Very informative and good fun.On a feminine note, if any lady travellers have long hair like me, take some leave in conditioner to save you hair turning to straw like mine! You can only use the bio-degradeable shampoo they provide, but you will find that all the sun and sea water will soon take it's toll!Also, if you have any nice white, or pale coloured clothes, I would advise against pegging them out on the metal ropes at the back of the boat, and many of us got rust stains on our washing!

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu at dawn. We got up at 4.00 to catch the first buses and walked up to the Sun Gate as the sun was rising over the mountains - unforgettable,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rene was brilliant. He organised everything so smoothly on a very tight schedule and kept everyone in good humour despite being tired.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light. There is a lot of packing and unpacking. Take a plug for the sinks, most were missing in my rooms.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the beautiful monkeys, reptiles and birds - particularly when a troupe of spider monkeys was using trees to cross a canal and one of the monkeys made herself into a bridge for her baby to cross the gap between the trees.  The eyelash viper and the armadillo were among my other favourite sitings.Zip wiring through and above the rain forest in Monteverde - amazing - thanks to the encouragement of Gillian, one of our group.The Rainforest Lodge near Golfito was just like a little piece of paradise, literally in the middle of a rain forest.  With tropical flowers, baby birds nesting, bats roosting, kingfishers and tucans flying around, strange sounding tiny frogs....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jeffrey Munoz Garcia was wonderful.  He was so passionate and knowledgable about Costa Rica's flora, fauna, history and geology that we couldn't fail to be utterly spellbound.  He was full of humour and energy, which was infectious.  He really made the holiday and worked really well with our lovely driver, Mario.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love wildlife, you will love this holiday.  Costa Rica is so diverse that there is something for everyone.  Hotels ranged from basic to absolutely luxurious. Be prepared for some long and often bumpy coach journeys, in the knowledge that where you will end up will be more than worth the travelling.  Cameras, good binoculars, a torch and lots of light, comfortable walking clothes are a must. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The towns we visited were like film sets. Picture perfect.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic group leader. Excellent knowledge of the routes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get fit before you travel as there are a lot of hills, but the cycling is well paced and plently of opportunity for resting/eating/drinking.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many great moments, it's tough to pick just one.  The rainforest night walk at Esquinas Lodge spotting frogs, insects and snakes by torchlight.  Watching white-faced monkeys using the trees to cross the waterways of Tortuguero from our boat.  Being in the middle of a flock of macaws playing amongst the trees.  Flying through the tree canopy on a 1km long zipwire.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Jeff was absolutely marvellous.  He has an astounding knowledge of the fauna and flora of Costa Rica and his passion for both is contagious.  He went above and beyond what I expect of an Exodus guide, providing the group with numerous additional opportunities to join him on walks during his 'downtime'.  It's obvious that Jeff does his job because he loves it, at no time do you feel that you are going through the motions as yet another tour group following a set itinerary.  I can't praise Jeff enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In case you're not sure, this is definitely a wildlife tour.  The focus is on fauna and flora, with the exception of the interesting Arenal Volcano.  A good pair of binoculars and a camera lens of at least 300mm will allow you to make the most of the animal sightings (and there are plenty).  For those keen photographers, you need to make the most of the limited light available in the forest environment - ideally an aperture of f2.8 would be perfect. This tour already includes many of the incidental costs such as meals, but be prepared that Costa Rica is not a cheap destination in the way that many other Central and Southern American countries are.  US Dollars are fine for the whole trip and there's no real need to change currency at the airport on arrival - just bring small denominations.