Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Fat-biking over the dunes in Swakopmund and watching wildlife at the waterhole in Etosha campsite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gabriel (our Group leader) was very nice, fun , knowledgeable of the Country and always supportive. A special mention to Mr.Happy, our cooker, always smiling and preparing excellent food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In the first two days you will be at approx. 2000m altitude, and it was VERY COLD at night (especially the first night, really freezing) so make sure to have a good 4 season sleeping bag (if going in that period).

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many! Petra of course is stunning, from the Treasury to the Monastery and Altar of High Sacrifice as well as walking of the main routes to capture different views, and enjoy tea with the local Bedouins. Mount Nebo. Watching the shooting stars in the clear night sky Wadi Rum was pretty special too. Walking through the local streets at night and experience the local culture and food. Visiting the mosque (in my free time) in Aqaba. Finally Bethany was a particular highlight and was peaceful and moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikhled was our group leader who worked so hard to keep us all happy and somehow found the energy and time to look after all our individual needs. He has the patience of a saint and worked tirelessly to make sure we had every opportunity to enjoy the authenticity of Jordan. Clearly very knowledgeable, kind, considerate, passionate and committed to his job and country .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont hesitate. I felt very safe and looked after. Jordanians are very peaceful and gentle. This was such an incredible experience that will stay with me forever, made even better by the stunning country, local people, history, sites, wonderful personalities in my group and group leader - I cant wait to return some day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The night in Matera, at night it's a magical place. I only wish there were more moments than this one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

My previous experience of leaders has been excellent, but on this trip I felt the team could have done more to allow us to experience this part of Italy. It wasn't terrible, but just felt a bit adequate.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do we warned it can get pretty windy in this part of Italy, can make the cycling a bit of a slog some days.

Most Inspirational Moment

Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand are the hi lights but there are so many other moments like our lunch with music and dancing near the fortress. The Registan in Samarkand is very impressive by the sheer size. I loved Bukhara and its atmosphere at night. The fortified town of Khiva is beautiful and the colour of the wall change at night. The train journey was also nice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod was a walking guide book with outstanding knowledge of the history and culture of his country. He was very organised and as a result we did not waste any time. He told us many personal stories which added to our understanding of the difficult history of this country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You have some long days on the bus but we could all have a seat by the window. Bring a scarf to cover your head in the mosques. Clothes covering shoulders and knees are required for religious buildings

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending time and having tea with the Nomads, their children, the camel ride, learning about the Medinas and getting to know the Berber people and their families. The Et-Taous African drum band and dancers was such a delight and it was joyful and fun. We enjoyed the overall history of the country, its past, present and current richness. The historical guides were extremely informative and knowledgeable. Each unique with rich stories to tell.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Idblaaid Lahcen, was the best. He went out of his way to take care of everyone and to make all feel special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To the travelers, this is a fantastic tour however, if you have a disability this may not be the tour for you. My husband, who is as fit as a fiddle, enjoyed all of the walking tours, all of the hikes as well as every aspect of this trip. The high Atlas Mountains hike was one of the highlights for him. He said, “He’d love to do it again.” This is an unforgettable experience, one you’d never forget. In spite of my health challenges, I am so very grateful that I was able to make this incredible trip. I learned so much about my ancestors which was so inspiring to me. I met so many beautiful people who felt like family. I will never forget them. They will remain vibrant in my heart forever. This is a beautiful tour. It’s full of spectacular sunsets and stunning sunrises. The road trip allows you to see so much of the countryside and so many aspects of the Moroccan North African culture. The Et-Taous African drum, dancers were very colorful, stimulating and exciting to see. To Exodus, I explained to Exodus that I had a disability and what my limitations were. They assured me that this tour would not be strenuous. However, this is a vigorous tour. But, Lahcen and all of the guides, upon being made aware of my challenges, quickly found rest areas and other options for me. Exodus might think about changing the description of this tour. They also need to listen more effectively to the customer to better accommodate their expectations. The Exodus team should take this tour so that they are aware and know firsthand the tour’s difficulties and the customer experience. Then perhaps change the rating from “moderate” to “vigorous or moderately strenuous”. Also, I suggest for this tour the maximum group be limited to 12 participants, instead of 16. It would be nice too if customers had a dedicated contact person at Exodus to work with them from the onset of the booking and afterwards, instead of the generic customer service contact number and email once the tour has been booked. This is an amazing tour and I highly recommend it!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The last two days, (Panama), which were probably the most challenging in terms of hills... cycling on backroads through Panama's beautiful countryside, small welcoming villages, children keen to interact and lush tropical scenery and climate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I'd give him a pretty good 10 out of 10. Exceptional leader and I've had 16 now with Exodus and 2 with other companies. Memo has considerable assets which shone through, not least his sense of fun and humour which was in fact, more British than some in our group ;-).. He had a warm, boyish charm and a vulnerability which was endearing, and he could manage the egos of 6 pre- to post menopausal women- and one Russian bloke - with just the right touch of humour and sociability. He is very professional, jollying everyone along whilst maintaining he was working and it that it was our holiday. He chatted daily with everyone to check their well-being and performed a few tasks that went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out when needed. He was well-organised and assertive when needed - such as when I wanted to keep cycling in a tropical thunderstorm... safety first. I always felt in safe hands with him and in my experience would rank him amongst the top of leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a fab trip, but the downside for me was the highway cycling in Costa Rica. I expected it to be more like the Sri Lanka cycling tour not like the Cuba tour; but I would still do it again at the cost for the experience. No elephants (lol!), but plenty of tropical wildlife to view. The optional extra tours were amazing and ideal way to experience a tropical desert island, snorkelling, lobster lunch. The hot springs and rainforest guided walk were also awesome. Panama was a nice surprise...and the company was fab which made the tour. Now I want to cycle down through South America, so thanks to Exodus for giving me a taster... :-)

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was inspiring but the views on our last day of walking around the Penon Crag where impressive as Michael was able to point out all the areas we had walked in earlier in the week. A lovely touch which rounded off the whole trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael is an outstanding, experienced leader, so knowledgeable on so many levels and, most importantly, able to pass on that knowledge in an enthusiastic and fun way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a classic trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. The terrain is rough at times so walking boots are recommended and bring your walking poles if you are used to using them. Some walks are exposed and we had hot days even in early October so bring your sunscreen, sunhats , a long sleeved shirt and at least 2 water bottles. Also don't forget the insect repellent as you'll want to sit out for dinner on the amazing terrace every evening you can and watch the sun go down.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling beside the cliffs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Riccardo was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the old theatres, sitting in the stands and imagining what life felt like during these times. Oh and running on the original Olympic track of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria has a large and incredible knowledge of the sites we visited - we were able to ask intricate questions and receive an in depth response.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Brush up on your ancient Greek history before the tour - this will allow you to truly appreciate the sites and artifacts you see.