Central Asia Escorted Tours and Guided Trips

This trip was a last minute decision and it was one of the best that I have made. It was a very full itinerary but there was lots of time and a full explanation of what we were doing and seeing. The food was very good, as was the accommodation. Our tour director was extremely knowledgeable and the group size was just right.

This was a lovely and varied trip through very beautiful and rural Laos to the amazing temples of the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia. It was a mix of beautiful hilly countryside and jungle, amazing waterfalls, cultural sights, incredible temples, and monasteries and cruises on the Mekong. We visited small remote villages, and cycled around sleepy and picturesque island of Don Khon in the 4000 islands area. Our guide was excellent and accomodation was good and often very well or beautifully located (but not always quite up to Western standards as Laos and Cambodia are developing countries.) It is a full on trip with some very early starts and long bumpy driving days. Also if you have dodgy knees, please be aware that many of the temples and waterfalls require climbing up and down sometimes a couple of hundred and more rough and uneven steps. But the guides do help you and you can take your time, and you can always opt out but still be in beautiful countryside and view from the bottom. Also take roll- on deodorant and insect repellant as you will not be allowed aerosol sprays on the train journey to Vientaine. I would thoroughly recommend this trip.

A very full on, amazing experience with leader Bibi. Wild camping, luxurious lodges as respite, a lovely if small houseboat. More animal sightings than anyone could imagine. Bibi made sure all ran smoothly, from bush tea/coffee picnic stops to the inevitable bush loo break. He seems to have a 6th sense when it comes to locating eg leopards and hyenas. As for Victoria Falls..just wow, the noise, the spray. It was enough for me just to be there so I didn't do the helicopter ride. Pack your spirit of adventure alongside the bug repellent and book this wonderful tour!

An excellent trip. The tour leader, Tarik, was exceptional. He ensured that everyone in the group bonded well and enjoyed themselves. The itinerary is diverse with plenty of optional activities. Highlights for me were the several Mayan sites, spotting manatees, sunrise at Tikal with the birdsong and howler monkeys, and the wonderful snorkeling from Caye Caulker.

My husband and I have now done several tours with Exodus and there are many reasons why we keep returning to Exodus, not the least of which include: the staff are helpful and available from beginning to end; the group size is small which makes the logistics more manageable; they put together itineraries in various locations that maximize the most interesting places to see and things to do; their trip notes accurately reflect what to expect and how to prepare for your trip; their guides have incredible knowledge about the various areas;  and they listen and respond to reviews. Although some days seemed longer than others, "Belize Reef and Ruins" is one of the most interesting tours I have ever done, and the only tour I have ever done twice (in one year).  There was no shortage of opportunity to further my learning about the history of the Mayan civilization, the flora and fauna of Belize, and the present-day life of the Belizean people.  Wherever we went, we were greeted with "Belizean warmth and kindness".  As I shared with a few of my friends, in spite of the heat, the unrelenting humidity, and the mosquitoes, I wish there were two of me - one to stay in Belize and one to return home.

Great trip. Tiring but well worth it to see so much of New Zealand. Driver and tour director were great. Some hotels were a bit basic but generally good. I did a same sex room share which worked out really well. It also helped that we had a good group of travellers. Just didn’t realise the group would be so big! Will do another AATKings trip around Australia if I can afford it.