Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Two moments: We had a lovely and delicious picnic set up for us at the monastery of Caños Santos on Day 3. This was a peaceful respite after our walk from the Cortijo. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the Caminito del Rey on Day 6. Our guide made sure we beat the crowd and I am grateful for that. We were able to walk it at our own pace, stopping as much as we wanted for photos and to admire the El Chorro gorge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was a good and knowledgeable (history, plants, wildlife) guide who set an appropriate walking pace for our group. He aptly timed quick rest stops and photo stops and was good at pointing out birds, plants and features we might be interested in and might have missed otherwise. He knows many of the locals so we were often warmly greeted along our way. I found him to be encouraging and supportive, showing each of us interest and a good sense of camaraderie.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I advise you use hiking shoes/boots and sturdy trekking poles. I used poles from the Cortijo but someone had theirs shipped beforehand. I also wore trail runners which I always hike in and they were fine, but I did wish I had brought my boots. Be sure to have what you need because there are not many places to shop until you go to Seville or Ronda. Most importantly, make sure you are in good enough physical shape to do the walks safely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. It's great having a local guide who lives in the area.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberta

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along the algarve coast

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Best I've experienced with Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No advice as trip was exactly as described.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra had to be the most awe inspiring point of the trip, it was magnificent! Having walked around all the amazing tombs, monuments and Roman ruins during the day we then went back in the evening to see it by candle light. This was a very moving experience with local Bedouin musicians playing traditional instruments creating a very contemplative atmosphere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmad was wonderful! He was very knowledgeable and obviously proud of his country and its heritage. He went out of his way to make sure that everyone was catered for as we were a very mixed age group with varying levels of fitness. The day we went to Madaba we discovered that the King of Jordan was visiting the same day so it was very crowded and many roads were closed off for the visit. Ahmad made sure we negotiated the crowds and, after seeing the King drive past (and wave to us!) he took us to a restaurant, owned by a ‘cousin’ were we all had coffee and waited for the crowds to disperse. This delay meant that we could not visit Mt Nebo that day but Ahmad made sure we visited on the way to the Dead Sea on the last day. Instead he took us to Little Petra which was lovely in the evening sun. We could not have wished for a better, more knowledgeable and helpful group leader than Ahmad.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When staying at the Bedouin camp overnight you will definitely need a sleeping bag liner, the facilities are very basic and the bed covers not very clean. Also it would be advisable to take walking boots as through the whole week you will be walking on quite rough rocky and/or sandy terrain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Kala Patthar as the sun was coming up round the side of Everest is a memory that will live with me forever

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tenzi Sherpa was an inspiration. Always jolly and with the most infectious laugh. He really looked out for the whole group and seemed to conjure medicines and cures for everyone's ailments and ills wherever we stopped. He truly seemed to enjoy his job and took pleasure in introducing us all to his culture and country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear a buff all day and every day to keep the dust out of your lungs. Despite the warnings before we went a few of our party didn't wear them because they complained that it made breathing difficult, especially as we got to higher altitudes, but they all then subsequently came down with the Khumbu Cough

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't choose- every day had it's inspiring moment. The National Park was amazing, but what was unexpected was the mind blowing display of wildflowers at this time of year (April 20-27) on all walks. The walk through the oak wood and meadows day 4 was particularly memorable for the wildflowers, followed by the tapas picnic at the monastery, and then the visit to Setenil with the cave houses. We also saw so many birds of prey throughout the week- vultures, rare eagles etc which Miguel quickly identifies and lends you his binoculars!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel inspired us all to embrace everything Andalusian with his expert knowledge of the fauna, flora, history and people. He led the walks at the right pace and pointed out so many things each day. He gave excellent advice , especially restaurants and bars in Seville and Malaga. Exodus is very fortunate to have him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are into bird watching, bring your own binoculars. Have a wander round the village on your own late afternoon. We revisited the bar where we had coffee on day 4 the other side of the village. We were instantly recognised and welcomed, and either side of us had guys passionately playing dominoes!

Most Inspirational Moment

I liked visiting the different Chateaux and learning about the history. It was a tight and well run schedule.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yannis is a great tour leader. Always available for questions or requests. He was inclusive of the diverse group and helpful in any way possible. He went over and beyond helping me plan my travels after the trip ended, as well as checking on me. I hope to join another tour led by him.in the future!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Visiting the beautiful estates and gardens. Hearing about French history in an interactive way. The vineyards and countryside paths were great as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying at the foot of the Khumbu Ice fall

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sukman was one of the most inspiring, caring and nicest people I have had the good fortune to spend time with in my life

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t hesitate to do this

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending two nights at base camp, experiencing a Puja ceremony to offer prayer for the safety of the climbers and Sherpas, and walking on the Klumba glacier. (The food at base camp was also exceptional).

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had high expectations of Sukman as the Exodus 2022 guide of the year, and he didn't disappoint. He was always smiling, was organised, highly knowledgeable and very supportive through good and tough times. In particular he demonstrated tremendous kindness and care to individual group members at times of need.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're tempted to book, go for it! But do train for this trip as it provided a physical/mental challenge to most of the group on many occasions. Even the descent involves a lot of ascent over a relatively short distance.