Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending 30 minutes watching a pod of 20 Orca's swim alongside our ship as we traversed the Gerlache Strait was incredible. We were quite literally jumping for joy at the sight of multiple Orca leaping in and out of the water in a majestic and beautiful fashion. Of course nothing can be guaranteed with wildlife but this was a real 'pinch me' moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Captain and the Expedition staff were above all compliments. Same perfect service for the hotel and restaurant management. Abby, the expedition leader, was amazingly efficient and her passion for Antarctica was infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have ever dreamed of visiting this magical place, just do it, grab the opportunity with both hands. No reading or wildlife documentary can prepare you for that moment you step foot on the continent, see your first Penguin colony, have your first interaction with a humpback from sheer meters away on the Zodiac.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Hooty cycling and completing this as well as the back waters boat and good distances covered as well as teh safari I saw a tiger and other fab wildife teh only thing was the safari guides good have made it more interesting with some commentary but overall good it was lovely to see animals being protected and the echo emaphisis although India has a long way to go they have states taht are plastic free and look after the wildife its a sjhame about teh street dogs as there is a problem with that as dogs are pregant and no way to stop this but India and this trip has been fab

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was very good he gave us a daily briefing the only thing I would say is taht he needed to be a bit clearer with instructions, and keep up with the female members to check welfare as a few times men would come close to us on mopeds, which he needed to be more aware abaout, apart from taht he was excellent friendly nice and had local knowldge the trip was brillent thanks to Safi and his team

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip if you like a challenge cycling and also to see hardly any tourists you see the real india with teh villages and friendly people I havve not been to India before and will definatley book another trip the accommodation was good teh food teh cycling and you had time to socialise and shop for gifts etc with our leader telling us what a good price would be for tuc tuks and shops etc in a nutshell I loved this trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it

Most Inspirational Moment

I can’t choose. Every day brought new experiences which were wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gerhard was fantastic. His knowledge on his country is second to none. He always had our safety first and foremost. Great sense of humour and extremely organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty sunscreen, bug spray and binoculars. Also stay hydrated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several. Selecting one, the view from Buffavento Castle but note: it's a LOT of steps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andy was excellent and always available and helpful. Felix was good but quietly spoken. He answered questions but didn’t offer much information unless asked.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book for the twin towers beforehand. It would be useful if Exodus suggested that everybody booked in the same time slot if possible. Our guide had his work cut out shuttling different people to the towers for different time slots and then there was a lot of waiting around afterwards.

Most Inspirational Moment

No single one - lots of inspiring scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - Michael went well beyond what I expected

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walk grading - this grade 2 is nearer a grade 3 than a 1.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a toucan emerge from its nest at close quarters .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Gerhardt was well organised , very accommodating ,personable and extremely knowledgeable of the local environment , . He was a good communicator with excellent English and a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat and take a pair of binoculars !

Most Inspirational Moment

This is really difficult. This is a trip of contrasts with the engaging nature of the local people offset by the horrors of events which they have endured. A highlight for us was Hoi An which has an old world charm and the opportunity to meet local people to understand their lives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Duy in Vietnam was very engaging, well-informed and funny (also an Arsenal supporter!) Sophea in Cambodia was more reflective but very likeable. Both were excellent and looked after us very well. They were well informed and able to respond to our many questions about politics, education, healthcare etc, etc!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to be immersed in these two countries then this is the trip for you. Don’t expect much down time and be prepared for some early rises but this is all done to maximise the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in snowshoes on a forest trail and stopping to light a fire to toast marshmallows. Dog sledding from the husky farm. Driving a snowmobile for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Tuomas and Elina were both very friendly and good teachers of the outdoor skills. Tuomas in particular was a great advocate of saunas.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Invest in some pairs of good merino blend socks and a hat. Everything else is provided, but your own base layer is a good idea to ensure a good fit. Day time temperatures during our week in February varied from -20C to +1C, so a selection of layers was key. The sunshine and lack of wind meant -20C was not a problem. The rooms have underfloor heating, so we were advised to lay everything out at night to dry and air clothes.