This holiday really delivered beyond our expectations in every respect. The itinerary is packed and varied; culture, wildlife, scenery, exciting activities and enlightening experiences. We climbed Lions Rock; biked alongside rivers, lakes, fields and forest; walked to World End and Horton Plain; explored jungle villages, ancient temples and botanic gardens; rafted across rivers and over rapids; swam in the ocean and gorgeous hotel pools, rode the gloriously scenic train from Pattipola to Ella and even braved tuk tuk rides amidst the mad chaos of The Sri Lankan roads. We jiggled around in jeeps, seeking elephant and leopard and enjoying everything else our excellent guides spotted on two very special safaris. Sounds exhausting doesn’t it but with a very comfortable air conditioned bus to transport us between beautiful hotels in superb situations, and delicious multicultural buffets and wonderful Sri Lankan curries and Lion Beer to reenergise us at the end of each day we were always ready and eager for the next early start. Longer trips were broken up with lovely lunch stops and there were interesting visits to spice gardens, a gem museum, a folk museum and a tea factory. We went from busy towns and hot, humid forests to cooler high country and finished at refreshing beaches, journeying via temples, lakes, paddy fields and the gorgeous contours of tea plantations. We saw traditional dancing and fire eaters in Kandy and had time off to wander the markets and soak up the vibes. There were plenty of spontaneous surprises to add a little extra. We felt safe and welcome, the hospitality was genuine, everyone was so friendly, the children are delightful, and although there is some obvious poverty the people seem happy at heart and very keen to share their love of their country with us visitors. The wildlife in this fabulous country is all around you, flora and fauna in abundance and breathtakingly beautiful.
European Cultural Tours
Europe Culture Trips
Expert insight: Europe Cultural Trips
“As cheaper flights have opened up the farthest-flung corners of the world, it’s become easy to forget (or dismiss) what we have in our own backyard. But Europe is packed with the very ingredients we travel the globe for: romance, adventure, contrast, drama. My trip to Romania with Exodus involved only a three-hour flight, but it introduced me to landscapes and cultures I thought had long disappeared, as well as one of the most thrilling animal encounters I’ve ever had: watching a dozen brown bears from a hide deep in the Carpathian mountains. Now there’s a backyard worth exploring.”
Dan Linstead, Wanderlust Editor, travelled to Romania with Exodus
Take The Train…
Rail Travel throughout Europe has never been easier and with the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint it is a great way to reach the start point of your Exodus holiday.
Working with Rail Europe, our sales team will be happy to book your train tickets, and further information including suggested train times can be found on the relevant holiday’s trip notes. These can be downloaded directly from our website on each holiday’s page.
Ruth Clarke Discover Sri Lanka
Karen Harris Cycling VietnamWe have just returned from this amazing trip. Vietnam certainly lived up to and possibly exceeded our expectations. Vietnam is such a beautiful country – a true feast for the senses, so vibrant and joyful. The Vietnamese people are truly warm, friendly and engaging.
The cycling landscape was very varied through some busy towns, quiet villages, breathtaking scenery and alongside endless rice fields.
The organisation of this trip was truly remarkable thanks to the professional skills of our group leader Son. He absolutely is the best group leader we have ever met on our trips.
Unfortunately, I had an accident half way through the holiday but I have nothing but praise for our wonderful leader Son. He showed such professionalism alongside care, support and empathy, as did all the support team – Lee the mechanic, Tee and Saow our driver. I could not fault any of the team and I felt so lucky to have the love and support of the group members.
The accident did not ruin my trip. I feel so blessed to have seen so much of this beautiful country.
Our hotel rooms were fantastic with available conditioning and a swimming pool available in most of them . Whale Island was beautiful. The overnight train was an interesting experience and Halong Bay at the end was beautiful.
Karen Harris Cycling VietnamWe have just returned from this amazing trip. Vietnam certainly lived up to and possibly exceeded our expectations. Vietnam is such a beautiful country – a true feast for the senses, so vibrant and joyful. The Vietnamese people are truly warm, friendly and engaging.
The cycling landscape was very varied through some busy towns, quiet villages, breathtaking scenery and alongside endless rice fields.
The organisation of this trip was truly remarkable thanks to the professional skills of our group leader Son. He absolutely is the best group leader we have ever met on our trips.
Unfortunately, I had an accident half way through the holiday but I have nothing but praise for our wonderful leader Son. He showed such professionalism alongside care, support and empathy, as did all the support team – Lee the mechanic, Tee and Saow our driver. I could not fault any of the team and I felt so lucky to have the love and support of the group members.
The accident did not ruin my trip. I feel so blessed to have seen so much of this beautiful country.
Our hotel rooms were fantastic with available conditioning and a swimming pool available in most of them . Whale Island was beautiful. The overnight train was an interesting experience and Halong Bay at the end was beautiful.
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