Issuu

SIGNPOST ADVENTURES START WITH THE BEST LOCAL GUIDES

INDIA 4 WAYS

WHAT TYPE OF

Adventurer ARE YOU?

Mud on your boots or a touch of luxury? Take the quiz

ISSUE FOUR | FALL 2026

From tiger country to Himalayan heights

THE ALLURE OF ASIA Sakura, Sri Lankan backroads and one very Great Wall

TUSCAN GOLD RUSH Truffles, tradition and the thrill of the hunt

your way.

For us, it’s always smiles all round. How you get there is up to you: a hard-earned challenge, a classic only Exodus could craft, characterful stays with comfort built in, or something altogether more immersive. SCAN to find your next adventure

Welcome What kind of traveler are you? Give ten people the same question and you’ll probably get ten different answers. Some want mud on their boots, back-to-basics stays and the satisfaction of earning every view. Others like their adventures with a little more comfort at the end of the day. And some want exceptional places to stay and experiences that immerse them in the very heart of a place. So, what does adventure look like for you? Take our quiz on page 14 to find out, then turn to page 17, where we show you four very different ways to experience India. Asia takes center stage too. Follow Japan into cherry blossom season, cycle Sri Lanka’s backroads or take on the Great Wall on foot. There are plenty of ways to see the world. The fun part is working out which one has your name on it.

JESS DILLON HEAD OF SALES

CONTENTS NEWS What’s new, next and worth knowing.

TRENDING NOW

Big screens, e-bikes and going properly offline

8 NEWS & VIEWS Fresh stories, ideas and reasons to keep exploring 10

NEW TOURS Six new adventures to see more of the world

FEATURES 12 IN YOUR WORDS Our travelers share their best stories

14 WHAT’S YOUR TRAVEL STYLE? Take our quiz and find your kind of adventure

17 INDIA FOUR WAYS

One country. Four different ways to see it

ORIGINALS: STILL CHASING FRONTIERS Adventure with a little more grit

22 THE TUSCAN GOLD RUSH Truffle dogs, buried treasure and a family tradition

25 EGYPT THROUGH ANDREW’S EYES Ancient wonders with a guide who brings them to life

26 SAKURA SEASON Japan saves a few treats for spring

27 ASIA, IN ALL ITS WONDER Great Walls, wild encounters and a night in a temple

30 THE TOUR THAT STARTED IT ALL Five adventures later, Wendy’s still saying yes

32 THE PURSUIT OF HYGGE A warmer way to think about Nordic winter

34 WALKING IN BOSNIA Taking the scenic route through the Balkans

37 ALONG THE SILK ROAD Map seven ways to follow the old routes

40 SIGNATURE STAYS VIETNAM Infinity pools, mountain rituals and views worth lingering over

41 WILD AT HEART Annabel shares her kind of wild, from mokoros to fat bikes

44 FLAVORS OF THE AMERICAS Come for the adventure, stay for seconds

44 INSIGHTS Expert advice, practical kit and stories from the road

46 ASK THE EXPERTS Camping wild, minus the guesswork

47 IT’S IN THE BAG Going analogue and giving your thumbs a rest

48 LOYALTY CLUB Turns out, coming back has its perks

50 OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Tibet’s prayer wheels and trains in the sky

51 WE TAKE CARE OF IT So you can get on with the good bit

TRENDINGnow

WADI RUM’S LATEST STARRING ROLE Jordan’s Wadi Rum has played everything from Mars to a galaxy far, far away – and, of course, Arrakis in Dune. With Dune: Part Three arriving later this year, this copper-colored desert is back in the spotlight. See the real thing with an expert local guide, heading into the dunes by 4x4, learning about Bedouin life and spending the night at a desert camp beneath a sky considerably bigger than any movie screen. See Wadi Rum beyond the big screen. exodustravels.com/jordan-tours

BACK ON THE MAP

After several years away, Tunisia is returning to the Exodus map – and we’re going well beyond the usual highlights. Our new 12-day journey loops from Tunis through Kairouan and the Sahara to Star Wars filming locations, the Roman colosseum at El Djem and blue-and-white Sidi Bou Said. But it’s the moments in between that take you closer. With our expert local guides, you’ll cook alongside Amazigh women, discovering the food and traditions of North Africa’s Indigenous communities from the people keeping them alive. Discover Tunisia exodustravels.com/trip/atn

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GIVE YOUR LEGS AN E-BIKE BOOST Love cycling. Less enamored with enormous hills? E-bikes are available on an increasing number of Exodus adventures, giving you pedal assistance just when your legs would rather negotiate. They can put tougher routes within reach, help riders of different abilities travel together and even come as standard on selected trips. You’re still very much doing the pedaling, you just have a little extra power in reserve when the road points determinedly upward. See where an e-bike could take you. exodustravels.com/e-bikes

OUT-OF-OFFICE JUST GOT SERIOUS There are places where checking your notifications suddenly seems rather unimportant. Head off on the ultimate digital detox adventure. Trek Kilimanjaro, watch for wildlife on safari, cycle quiet backroads or head properly off-grid in Mongolia. With the details handled and your expert local guide leading the way, you’re free to join in and give your thumbs something of a vacation too. Turns out, the world is rather good at holding your attention. Ready to properly switch off? Try one of our Originals on page 20.

A SUNNIER WAY TO SPEND WINTER Gray skies getting a little too familiar? Follow the sun somewhere more interesting. Walk Morocco’s trails, watch for wildlife in South Africa, explore Costa Rica or discover Vietnam with an expert local guide. Because the real joy of winter sun isn’t simply swapping your coat for a T-shirt. It’s spending those brighter days getting under the skin of somewhere completely different. Tempted by the sunnier side of winter? See which adventures made our Snow or Sun? list. exodustravels.com/insights

VISIT US AT EXODUSTRAVELS.COM OR CALL ON 1 844 583 3704 |

2026

NEWS&views

A huge thank you to everyone who got behind Movement 2026 and helped make our first-ever Movement Week such a success. It all started with a simple idea: a 20km walking challenge inspired by the distance a jaguar may travel each day in search of food. By walking, fundraising and donating, our community helped shine a light on the challenges facing endangered wildlife, while supporting the Exodus Travels Foundation’s community-led conservation projects. Whether you took on the challenge, donated, entered our prize draw or simply followed along, every bit of support helped raise awareness of endangered species and the work being done to protect them. The Exodus team got stuck in too, collectively walking more than 3.4 million steps and raising over £2,500. Thank you for being part of the movement. We’re already looking forward to building on this year’s success and making an even bigger impact together in 2027.

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JUST BACK FROM

COSTA RICA

ANNA NEVILLE EXODUS HEAD OF ACQUISITION For me, the location of the lodges was always going to be the most important thing. Every accommodation revealed a different side of Costa Rica, with some of the best sightings of the entire trip right on our doorstep. It felt like the wildlife and the adventure came to you. We spotted a caiman, turtles and lots of birdlife along the waterways before we even got to Laguna Lodge. Arriving by boat made the lodge feel incredibly remote and immersed in nature. Savegre Hotel & Spa is one of the best places to spot the resplendent quetzal, though sightings are rare. We were lucky enough to see at least one every day of our stay, and on our final day, we enjoyed our longest sighting yet. It was a special way to end the trip. EXPERT TIP: Green season was a fantastic time for wildlife, so don’t be put off by the possibility of rain. And embrace the fact that wildlife doesn’t work to an itinerary – those spontaneous encounters become the ones you remember most. Discover Costa Rica exodustravels.com/trip/wuc

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“Some of the best sightings of the entire trip were right on our doorstep. It felt like the wildlife and the adventure came to you.

WITCH IT UP: S MULTI-ACTIVITY TOURS

Ready to shake up your next adventure? Our refreshed Multi-Activity collection celebrates the joy of trying something new. Tackle white-water rapids in Norway, snorkel with sea lions in the Galápagos or greet the day with sunrise yoga overlooking the Annapurna Himalayas in Nepal. exodustravels.com/multi-activity-tours

VISIT US AT EXODUSTRAVELS.COM OR CALL ON 1 844 583 3704 |

NEWtours Six new adventures, created from decades of experience exploring the world. Because sometimes knowing a place means pedaling further inland, taking to the river or staying out after dark.

CYCLING COSTA RICA Coast, volcanoes and plenty in between Covering an impressive 268 miles, this 14-day ride gives you a remarkably rounded view of Costa Rica. Pedal between Irazú and Arenal, cruise the wildlife canals of Tortuguero National Park, then soak tired legs in Arenal’s steaming hot springs. Get your hands dirty too, joining a local chef to prepare tortillas and food over a wood fire, with volcano views beyond. Then head for the Pacific and a sunset catamaran cruise near Nosara, before your final ride through the Nicoya Peninsula. Coast, rainforest and volcanic regions – all in one adventure. exodustravels.com/trip/mcr

HIKE TURKEY’S LYCIAN WAY Ancient trails with plenty of stories We’ve picked out the best stretches of the Lycian Way, where history and scenery come together underfoot. Follow old Roman roads through pine forests, olive groves and traditional villages along the turquoise coast. Explore the haunting town of Kayaköy and uncover its multicultural history, then swap the trail for a boat to cruise above Kekova’s sunken city. There’s even a walk to Chimaera, where natural flames have burned from the mountainside for millennia. Not your average trailside attraction. exodustravels.com/trip/tth

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DISCOVER MOROCCO IN STYLE

DISCOVER BOTSWANA & VICTORIA FALLS

The full sweep of Morocco

Safari from every angle

Why choose between Morocco’s ancient cities, mountains and desert when you can experience all three, with more comfortable stays along the way? Traveling from Casablanca to Marrakech gives you the full sweep of the country, but it’s how you experience it that counts. Trek by camel through Saharan dunes turning rose at sunset. Walk into the High Atlas to reach the Amazigh village of Aremd, with a traditional hammam experience waiting back in Imlil. Then get hands-on in Marrakech, learning to cook Moroccan dishes with a local chef.

A couple of bumpy drives are a small price to pay for reaching some of Botswana’s most wildlife-rich corners. Follow the Khwai River on safari, then glide silently through its waterways with local mokoro polers and watch elephants from a dedicated hide. In Moremi, guides read tracks and prints like an open book as you search for wildlife. Then it’s on to Chobe for game drives and a river cruise, with a wellearned sundowner back on deck. Finally, cross into Zimbabwe, where Victoria Falls delivers thundering water, cooling spray and rainbows in the mist. It’s quite the finale.

exodustravels.com/trip/aml

exodustravels.com/trip/wsb

ACTIVE NEPAL: TRAILS, RIVERS & WILDLIFE A softer Himalayan landing Designed to make Nepal’s adventurous side accessible to anyone with reasonable fitness, this trip pairs gentler trekking with rafting, wildlife and cultural experiences, plus upgraded stays in Bhaktapur and Pokhara. Exercise your creative muscle making pottery with local artisans, then trek to Astam for 360-degree Annapurna views and sunrise yoga. Next, raft the Seti River and camp overnight on its banks, before heading to Chitwan National Park for jeep safaris, jungle walks and a dugout canoe ride. It’s a softer way to adventure through Nepal, without missing out on its wilder side. exodustravels.com/trip/vna

SCAN TO FIND MORE NEW ADVENTURES

NAMIBIA IN STYLE Safari with the bells and whistles This is safari with the dial turned up. Stay in beautiful properties chosen for their striking settings, with sundowners in the Namib Desert and a visit to a cheetah conservation initiative. In Etosha, head out on a sunset game drive before dining in the bush, with guided stargazing afterwards. Later, track rhinos with specialist guides who bring you closer to Namibia’s conservation story. And the finer touches continue back at your lodge, including Namibia’s largest swimming pool at Mokuti. After a day on safari, you’ve earned that dip. exodustravels.com/trip/aqn

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I N YO U R

IN YOUR WORDS

WORDS

Travel has a funny way of surprising you. It isn’t always the landmark moments you end up cherishing. Sometimes it’s singing alongside mountain lionesses as you climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, running under a waterfall with your guide in Greece, or feeling inspired to trade your camera for a paintbrush deep in the Costa Rican rainforest. Those unexpected moments are often the ones that become your favorite stories to retell. Over the past five decades, we’ve been lucky enough to hear countless stories from our travelers. Here are quotes from some of our favorites...

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I believe painting makes you slow down and appreciate travel more. As travelers, we’re always hopping onto the next thing, but sketching makes you stop and say, what is it about this place that really speaks to me? My first impulse to unpack my paints came at the Evergreen Resort in Tortuguero. I was delighted to see blue morpho butterflies and several agoutis wandering along the forest floor; they looked like characters straight out of a Dr Seuss book! Near the swimming pool, I spotted a lobster claw plant with a display of colours simply too beautiful to resist taking up my brush!” VALERIE GRIGG DEVIS COSTA RICA COASTAL SECRETS

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“

CUSTOMER STORIES

Our guide, Thanos Mamos, was a breathing podcast. He’d tell you all the history along each trail. At one waterfall stop, Thanos asked me to film him running beneath the water. Watching from the sidelines, my sister and I decided it looked too much fun not to join in. His elevenses were also a highlight. Every morning we’d ask, ‘Thanos, what do you have in that bag today?’ And he’d always pull out homemade baked treats – the group’s favorite was kolokithopita, a traditional pumpkin pie wrapped in filo pastry.” MARGARET & ABBY HO WALKING THE MOUNTAINS AND VILLAGES OF EVIA

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The Salkantay Trek in Peru was the first group trip I did – and it was great. I was probably in my early twenties when I tried small-group travel for the first time, so it was very much a BIG holiday that I’d saved up for. Fourteen adventures later, I still love the social aspect that comes with guided group travel. It’s nice to process what you’ve seen over dinner with people who’ve shared the journey with you.” ANGELA BECKWITH THE INCA TRAIL AND THE SALKANTAY TREK

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? It's often the smallest moments that leave the biggest impression. The unexpected kindness, the shared laughter, the sense of achievement or the connection that changed the way you saw a place. We'd love to hear your story. Write up to 500 words or simply jot down some highlights of your experience. We look forward to reading every submission and will be in touch with as many travelers as we can to publish their stories online, with one standout feature appearing in the next edition of Signpost magazine. To be in with the chance of featuring in our next magazine, please send in your story by November 15. SCAN HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR STORY

VISIT US AT EXODUSTRAVELS.COM OR CALL ON 1 844 583 3704 |

WHAT TYPE OF

adventurer ARE you?

We all have different ideas of what ‘adventure’ means. To some, it’s pushing body, mind and spirit on a mountainside trail. To others, it’s weaving through a local market to find the most delicious street food and meet the vendors. Then there are those who cherish extended time and space to fully soak in the local culture and traditions. Take the quiz to discover your adventure type – and the Exodus Travel Style that suits you best.

QUESTION two QUESTION one You’re daydreaming of your perfect adventure – what springs to mind? A. Rough, rugged mountain peaks, epic trails, and dirt under your fingernails B. A dash of culture, a splash of active exploration, and some free time to unwind C. Discovery during the day, followed by a night in a characterful hotel D. Total immersion at a slower pace with unique experiences you’ll remember forever

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much do When you’re looking for a tour, how ? you want to challenge yourself nst the A. Let’s go BIG! I love testing myself agai natural world g exploration B. I want the full range, from easy-goin lenge chal ter grea a offer to adventures that time to with d bine C. A little challenge is great, com ne! cuisi l loca unwind and enjoy the properly D. Let’s slow it down and take time to sink into the local culture

QUESTION three

ntures belongs Which of these adve ? on your ‘must-do’ list rney a Trail on a camping jou A. Hiking along the Inc to Machu Picchu pastel fishing towns of B. Walking among the the Amalfi Coast down tombs, before cruising C. Exploring Egyptian a pool the Nile in a boat with in an Tuscany while staying of D. Discovering the tastes e ag vill l va die restored me elegant retreat within a

QUESTION four You’ve finished a day of adventure – where do you want to spend the night? A. A wild campsite, of course. Let’s keep the adventure going! B. A home-from-home: a family-run hote l or lodge suits me just fine C. A stylish hotel with a luxurious touch or two – it’s time to unwind by the pool D. A standout retreat packed with loca l character, serving the finest regional cuisine

QUESTION five What type of foodie are you? A. Food means fuel – it’s all energy for climbing that next hill B. I love exploring the local food scene and getting those insider tips C. I love good food and I’m happiest whe n someone’s organized the reservation for me D. I want the best local dishes – if it’s chefcurated and experiential, sign me up

VEL STYLE TURN OVER TO FIND YOUR TRA

VISIT US AT EXODUSTRAVELS.COM OR CALL ON 1 844 583 3704 |

MOSTLY A’S

ORIGINALS

Originals: Rugged adventures. Big challenges, bigger rewards. It’s go big or stay at home for you. You love bold adventures – and you’ve got the energy to match. Think multi-day hiking trails, mountain summ its and long-distance cycling trips. You love the thought of wild camping, discovering remote landscap es and sharing the journey with other like-minded expl orers. F ind your perfect trip in our Originals Travel Style at exodustravels.com/originals

MOSTLY C’S

SU PE RI O R

MOSTLY B’S

CL A SS IC

The quintessential Exodus adventu re. Iconic sights, culture, connection. You’re an icon – and the places you love are too. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, culture seek er or wildlife watcher, you’ve got a long list of ‘must-do’ s’ and a hunger to see it all. Your trip combines comfort and adventure: family-run hotels, a local guid e and a mix of standout moments and local life. F ind your perfect trip in our Classic Trav el Style at exodustravels.com/classic

MOSTLY D’S

S I G N AT U R E

Classic adventure, elevated. Upg raded stays, added comfort.

Ultra-immersive journeys. Distinctive stays , exclusive experiences.

You’re proof that an adventurer can have it all: real moments and that little bit of luxury. You want all the discovery and excitement of our Classic adventures, but with extra comfort woven in. Expect char acterful stays, exceptional food and thoughtful touches along the way. F ind your perfect trip in our Superior Trav el Style at exodustravels.com/superior

Experience is everything. Your adventure s are never about rushing from one sight to the next ; they’re about sinking into the moment and enjoying a true connection to people and place. You like refined acco mmodation and cuisine, both packed with local char acter to take you to the heart of the destination. F ind your perfect trip in our Signature Travel Style at exodustravels.com/signature

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W O R D S BY SA M M U R R AY

EXPERIENCE

4WAYS

INDIA W O R D S BY SA M M U R R AY

No matter what type of adventurer you are, India offers something extraordinary. There are remote Himalayan trails to hike, maharaja palaces to explore, national parks where tigers roam and the peaceful backwaters of Kerala to cruise down. So, the question is not ‘should I explore India?’ (answer: absolutely) but ‘how should I explore India?’

READ ON TO FIND YOUR PER

FEC T JOURNEY

INDIA FOUR WAYS

SEARCH FOR SNOW LEOPARDS WITH VALERIE PARKINSON 14 DAYS

COLORS OF RAJASTHAN 14 DAYS

Best for intrepid wildlife seekers

Majesty reigns in the Land of Kings. Discover it for yourself on this culturally immersive adventure through Rajasthan. Here, forts and palaces tell the stories of the maharajas, while two game drives in Ranthambore National Park offer the chance to spot Bengal tigers. There’s also time to visit the rescued elephants of the Wildlife SOS centre and enjoy an unforgettable sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.

Pack your adventurous spirit (and plenty of warm clothes) for a camping trek deep in the remote Himalaya. The goal? Spotting one of the world’s most elusive big cats as it moves through the snowy terrain. Leading the way is our legendary mountain guide Valerie Parkinson, a Wanderlust World Guide Award winner, whose 40 years of experience in the region means you’ll have the very best chance of spotting one. exodustravels.com/trip/tgl

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Best for big-sight adventurers

exodustravels.com/trip/aik4

RA JASTHAN HIGHLIGHTS BY BIKE

12 DAYS

S I G N AT U R E I N D I A Between Spices & Backwaters | 9 DAYS

Best for cyclists who like the royal treatment

Best for travelers who savor the journey

Ride the rural backroads of Rajasthan, villagers waving as you pass, on a journey designed to showcase the best of the state. You’ll see it all, from grand architecture to little-known countryside stops, while also immersing yourself in the culture and tradition that make Rajasthan so special. There’s time to search for tigers in Ranthambore and see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, plus you’ll experience the royal life by staying in former palaces and forts. exodustravels.com/trip/mil

Sink into the spirit of Kerala on a journey through tranquil waterways, tea hills and enduring traditions. Step into Kochi’s royal heritage on a private tour of Mattancherry Palace, meet the artists redefining Kathakali and explore the principles of Ayurveda with an expert doctor. Thoughtfully chosen accommodation, including a stay at Spice Village, modelled on the dwellings of the Indigenous Mannan community, brings you even closer to the region. exodustravels.com/trip/lik

VISIT US AT EXODUSTRAVELS.COM OR CALL ON 1 844 583 3704 |

CHASING FRONTIERS Inspired by our first overland journey through the heart of Afghanistan in 1974, our Originals tours embody that same pioneering spirit, prioritizing challenge, simplicity and the satisfaction of earning the experience. These adventures take you beyond the familiar, into some of the world’s wildest places, to remind you that the world is still full of frontiers. 20 | SIGNPOST

NEPAL | 28.3949° N, 84.1240° E

MO NG OLI A | 46. 862

5° N, 103 .84 67° E

TREK BENEATH TOWERING HIMALAYAN GIANTS | NEPAL RIDE THROUGH GENGHIS KHAN’S WILD HEARTLAND | MONGOLIA Leave the road behind and discover a Mongolia few travelers ever experience. Ride jeep tracks through the forested Khangai Mountains before descending into the Orkhon River Valley. Continue to Karakorum, once the capital of Genghis Khan’s empire, and explore nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery. En route, stay in remote camps and traditional gers beneath the sweeping skies of the open steppe. CYCLING IN MONGOLIA exodustravels.com/trip/mcm NA MIB IA | 22° 00′ S

Some journeys deserve to be done in full. Spend 18 days on foot circling the Annapurna massif, following quieter trails between family-run teahouses, as rhododendron forests give way to high-altitude desert. The ultimate test comes at Thorong La Pass (5,416m) – a hard-earned high point on a true Himalayan classic. ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK exodustravels.com/trip/tnq

UGANDA | 1.3733° N, 32.2903° E

17° 00′ E

VENTURE DEEP INTO GORILLA COUNTRY | EAST AFRICA FOLLOW AFRICA’S GREAT OVERLAND ROUTE SOUTHERN AFRICA Cross four countries on this epic overland adventure through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Experience the thunder of Victoria Falls before gliding through the Okavango Delta by mokoro. Search for elephants and lions in Etosha, camp beneath the granite domes of Spitzkoppe and climb the towering dunes of Sossusvlei as dawn breaks over the Namib. VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN exodustravels.com/trip/azvr

Journey overland through Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, exploring the Masai Mara and spotting troops of chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest. The adventure culminates deep in Bwindi, where expert trackers lead you through steep, tangled forest in search of mountain gorillas – with the chance to spend an extraordinary hour just meters from a family. GORILLAS & MASAI MARA exodustravels.com/trip/wyu

THERE ARE MORE FRONTIERS TO EXPLORE. Scan to discover our full range of Originals adventures.

THE TUSCAN

Gold Rush WHERE TREASURE MEETS TRADITION W O R D S BY K R I S T E N W H I T L A

Some people spend a lifetime searching for buried treasure. Massimo Cucchiara finds his hidden beneath Tuscan oak trees. On our Signature Tuscany trip, you experience this same centuries-old tradition with a local truffle-hunting family like Massimo’s, where remarkable dogs and generations of knowledge turn a walk in the woods into something far more memorable.

SIGNATURE ITALY

HE DOG FREEZES, and for a moment, the forest falls silent. Then comes the tell-tale sign: a twitch of the tail, a glance back towards her owner and a paw beginning to scratch at the earth beneath an oak tree. “Mela has found something,” says Massimo Cucchiara. A few seconds later, he kneels on the forest floor, brushing away soil. Not with a shovel or spade but with his fingers, like an archaeologist uncovering a precious artifact. Eventually, a small, knobbly truffle emerges from the ground. Massimo grins. For him, this feeling never gets old. “It is like the Gold Rush,” he says. “Every truffle hunter dreams of finding the biggest truffle in the world.” And yet, standing among the trees in the hills surrounding San Miniato in Tuscany, it’s clear that the hunt is only part of the story. For nearly two decades, Massimo has welcomed travelers into his family’s world, sharing a tradition passed down through generations. “My grandfather was one of the first truffle hunters in this area,” he says. “Back then, truffle hunting wasn’t work. It was a passion, as it should still be today.” Growing up, Massimo spent countless hours alongside him, fishing, walking through the woods and learning to read the landscape. His grandfather, Lino, taught him where truffles grow, how to understand a dog’s behavior and, perhaps most importantly, why people search for them in the first place. “My grandfather taught me that if you go into the forest looking for money, you become jealous and frustrated,” Massimo says. “If you go into the forest because you love it, every day is a good day.” Today, he still follows that philosophy. In fact, Massimo spends much of his working life behind a desk. He’s an accountant by trade, but when life becomes noisy, he knows exactly where to go. “The forest is my happy place.” It’s where his family’s memories live. His son, Alessandro, at only seven years old, recently unearthed his first white truffle, continuing a tradition that stretches back generations. The responsibility, he believes, is to leave something behind for those who come next. “We don’t work in the forest for ourselves. We work for the next generation.” That commitment extends beyond his family. As president of local conservation initiatives and an active member of the truffle community, Massimo spends much of his time helping preserve the habitats that make truffle hunting possible. Five million years ago, this part of Tuscany sat beneath the sea. Today, fossilized seashells still emerge from the earth, scattered across forest trails. The ancient marine soil, combined with oak, poplar and hazel trees in San Miniato, creates ideal conditions for some of Europe’s most coveted truffles.

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Every truffle hunter dreams of finding the biggest truffle in the world. It is like the Gold Rush.”

SIGNATURE ITALY

But finding truffles requires years of knowledge – and dogs, very good dogs. Officially, Massimo leads the experience. Unofficially, “the dogs are the superstars of the show,” he says. There’s Mela, the 10-year-old veteran with what Massimo describes as “the best nose I’ve ever seen in my life. She’s brilliant.” Then there’s Geo, her brother. “ He’s focused, very professional, a true gentleman.” As for Bice? “She loves to eat truffles,” he says, laughing. “So I need to be very quick.” When you watch Massimo work with his dogs, it’s impossible not to notice the quiet understanding between them. He reads their movements the way other people read maps. They don’t need commands barked across the forest. Instead, they communicate through small gestures, familiar routines and years of shared experience. “You become a truffle hunter over a lifetime,” Massimo says. The same, it seems, applies to dogs. Most people arrive believing they love truffles. Then Massimo delivers a gentle reality check. “Truffle oil? Usually synthetic. Truffle fries? Rarely made with real truffles.” Many of the products people associate with truffles contain flavor compounds designed to mimic the aroma rather than the ingredient itself. “The first thing I do is destroy some dreams,” he jokes. Then he leads guests into the forest, where any misconceptions quickly disappear. “The real thing is more subtle and complex.” You don’t really understand truffles until you’ve smelled one freshly unearthed from the soil. After the hunt comes one of the most memorable parts of the experience: a home-cooked lunch at the family table, with his sister Letizia as head chef. Traditional dishes showcase truffles in their simplest form. Fresh pasta. Eggs. Seasonal ingredients. Nothing complicated. “The king of the dish should always be the truffle,” Massimo says. Then comes the surprise: truffle chocolate – a family recipe that Letizia developed herself. The chocolate always arrives chilled. People take a bite. A few seconds pass, the chocolate warms on the tongue, then the taste blooms. And suddenly, as Massimo puts it: “It’s like a truffle explosion.” Everyone leaves with a different favorite dish, but the same lasting connection. In Massimo’s eyes, they become “truffle ambassadors”, carrying the story of San Miniato far beyond Tuscany. When asked what his grandfather would think of visitors walking through these forests today, Massimo smiles. “My grandfather was a person who, if you came into his house and asked a question about truffles, he could speak for two days. I think he’d be proud of what we’re doing here in San Miniato.” The trees have changed little. The truffles remain hidden beneath the soil. And yet, somewhere between the excitement of the hunt and the warmth of the family table, another truffle ambassador is born. Not because of what lies beneath the ground, but because of what has been passed from one generation to the next. As Massimo puts it: “Every day that we share our tradition, we protect our tradition.” Experience Tuscany’s truffle-hunting tradition on our Signature Italy: Allure of Renaissance Tuscany adventure, where you’ll join a local truffle-hunting family and see how this prized delicacy has shaped life in Tuscany for generations. exodustravels.com/trip/lit

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SPOTLIGHT ON

Egypt

ANDREW SHENOUDA EXODUS LEADER EGYPT

For more than 20 years, Andrew Shenouda has introduced travelers to the wonders of Egypt. Yet for him, the greatest moment isn’t reaching the pyramids. It’s watching people realize that “everything started here.”

“Saqqara is the cornerstone,” he explains. “That’s where everything started. The Step Pyramid was the first stone building on Earth that’s still standing. It’s a huge necropolis. You could spend three weeks just there.” Guests quickly notice his enthusiasm too. “They always tell me they can see this place is special to me.”

When you first meet Andrew Shenouda, one thing becomes clear almost immediately: nobody is prouder of Egypt than he is.

And at the Valley of the Kings, he still watches the guests for the same reaction every time. “No one expects the vivid colors,” he says. “They look like they were painted yesterday. They always ask, ‘How?’”

Guiding wasn’t always the plan. “In high school I was just looking for an easy degree,” he laughs. “I thought history would be easy.” Instead, he found himself captivated by ancient Egyptian civilization and mythology, a fascination that eventually became a career. “I enjoy seeing people’s eyes light up,” he says simply. “I’m so proud of being Egyptian and I’m so proud of our civilization.” For Andrew, every journey begins with one important idea. “Many people don’t know much about Egypt,” he says. “They don’t know that Egypt is the mother of the world. I always tell them that everything around them, back home and around the world, started here.” Nowhere captures that feeling better than Saqqara. Andrew always looks forward to introducing them to Egypt’s oldest great monument: the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

And then there are the pyramids. “For almost everyone who comes to Egypt, seeing the pyramids is a dream. Some people cry. It’s like finally touching the postcard.” Although Andrew has guided Exodus’ classic Egypt itineraries for years, he says Signature Egypt: Treasures of the Nile offers something genuinely different. “The accommodation is on another level,” he says. “Especially the dahabiya. It’s much more luxurious and more private.” Yet it’s not simply the accommodation. One day guests are exploring pyramids and temples; the next they’re crossing the desert by 4x4 into Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales), where 40-million-year-old whale fossils lie scattered across the sands. As far as Andrew

knows, no other travel company combines these experiences within the same itinerary. Back on the Nile, the slower pace of the dahabiya opens doors that larger cruise ships simply can’t. In one small riverside village, guests are welcomed into a local farming family’s home for breakfast. “The food comes from their own farm,” Andrew says. “Guests get to see the real Egyptians, not only the people they meet around the tourist sites.” Away from the monuments, Andrew enjoys challenging many of the misconceptions visitors bring with them. Some arrive expecting a country of camels and strict rules, wondering whether they’ll be able to wear shorts or walk around safely. Instead, they discover a modern, welcoming destination. And always leave with a completely different impression. “Usually,” Andrew smiles, “it’s much more than they expected.” Ready to discover where everything began? Join Andrew on our Signature Egypt: Treasures of the Nile adventure, or on a classic Exodus journey.

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JAPAN

Savor Japan’s

SWEETEST SEASON W O R D S BY K R I S T E N W H I T L A

or just a few short weeks, some of Japan’s favourite delicacies bloom alongside its cherry trees. And your Exodus leader knows exactly where to find these spring flavors locals eagerly await each year. Imagine sampling sakura mochi, wrapped in a fragrant pickled cherry leaf; pastel-pink hanami dango, pillowy rice dumplings threaded onto bamboo skewers; and delicate blossom-shaped white bean wagashi. Depending on which trip you’re on, these treats await among the centuries-old stalls of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, the 300-year-old Omicho Market in Kanazawa or beneath the glowing yatai of Fukuoka’s Nakasu night food market, where spring-inspired street food is every bit as cherished as the blossom itself.

From top: pastel-pink hanami dango; sakura mochi; blossom-shaped white bean wagashi

Sakura season is fleeting, and our spring departures are too. Explore our Japan tours and book your cherry blossom adventure now.

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The Allure of

ASIA W O R D S BY K R I S T E N W H I T L A

Travelers have long been captivated by the promise of Asia. Perhaps it’s the sight of ancient watchtowers strung across China’s mountains, the hush of an evening Buddhist ceremony in a South Korean temple or the road curling through Sri Lanka’s emerald tea estates. Add in the graceful movements of Balinese dance and the thrill of spotting orangutans in Borneo’s rainforest, and one adventure here rarely feels like enough.

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SEE BORNEO THROUGH A WILDER LENS In Borneo, knowing where to look is half the adventure. Cruise beneath rainforest canopies in search of proboscis monkeys, watch millions of bats stream from Deer Cave at dusk and meet orangutans at Sepilok. Along the Kinabatangan River, your expert local guide helps spot pygmy elephants and crocodiles from the boat, before you head into Tabin Wildlife Reserve for rainforest walks and nocturnal wildlife drives. It’s a wonderfully varied introduction to one of the world’s richest wildlife destinations. Borneo Wildlife Discoverer exodustravels.com/trip/woh

RIDE SRI LANKA, HILLS TO COAST Sri Lanka is even better from the saddle. Follow quiet backroads past rice paddies, villages and ancient Polonnaruwa, before climbing through winding emerald tea estates towards Nuwara Eliya. After the hills, wildlife and the coast beckon, with a safari drive in Yala and final rides past Bundala’s bird-rich lagoons towards the bays of Hambantota. Thoughtfully chosen stays complement the adventure, from Hotel Sigiriya’s freshwater pool overlooking its namesake rock to a beachfront resort in Ahangama, with the rippling Indian Ocean on your doorstep. Cycle the Backroads of Sri Lanka exodustravels.com/trip/mir

DISCOVER KOREA FROM DYNASTY TO DMZ South Korea has one foot firmly in the future, but its past is never far away. Explore Seoul’s palaces and traditional neighborhoods, before your expert local guide brings the country’s divided history into focus at the DMZ. Beyond the capital, hike beneath Seoraksan’s granite peaks before tracing the Silla dynasty through Gyeongju’s temples and tombs. After a night at Haeinsa Temple joining Buddhist ceremonies and early-morning meditation, Busan provides a change of pace, with seafood markets, street food and a lively waterfront. Discover South Korea exodustravels.com/trip/aod

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EXODUSTRAVELS.COM

ASIA

JOURNEY DEEPER INTO INDONESIA Across Indonesia, ancient rituals meet nature at its most elemental. In Bali, rare invitations reveal traditions still woven into daily life. Among them, hear tales of royal lineage over dinner with a family patriarch, watch a private Legong performance and receive a temple blessing from a female priest. Further east, Flores and nearby Rinca Island bring wilder rhythms. Encounter Komodo dragons alongside conservation experts, spend time with the Indigenous Manggarai community in Todo village and explore coral-rich waters by private speedboat. Signature Indonesia: The Sacred Wild Isles exodustravels.com/trip/lid

TAKE ON THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA This is the Great Wall as it was meant to be experienced: on foot, over mountains and across its wildest stretches. Trek lesser-visited sections as they rise and fall across mountain ridges, from Huanghuacheng to the unrestored ‘Wild Wall’ at Jiankou, where watchtowers cling to steep slopes. Continue along the challenging Gubeikou section, passing centuries-old towers on a 13km hike. Between walks, stay in simple village guesthouses before returning to Beijing to explore its historic hutongs and imperial heart. Walking the Great Wall exodustravels.com/trip/tcw

One continent. Endless possibilities. Discover our adventures across Asia.

SOLO TRAVEL

The Tour that started it all... I wasn’t looking for a solo travelers’ group

WENDY LAMPERT EXODUS TRAVELER After her husband died unexpectedly, Wendy was looking for a way to begin rebuilding her life. Along the way she found cold-water swimming, tap dancing, counseling and, eventually, a solo trip to India. Five Exodus adventures later, she explains why she’d encourage anyone to “seize the day” and give it a go. Travel has become a massive part of my grief journey. It’s given me something exciting to look forward to and something to plan for. Before my husband, Richard, died, we’d traveled together for years, organizing our own vacations. But when I decided it was time to travel again, I chose India because it was somewhere Richard would never have wanted to visit. He didn’t like crowds or hot weather, and I didn’t want to spend the whole trip thinking, Richard would have loved this. Going somewhere completely different just felt right.

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I’d never traveled with a guided group before. I wasn’t looking for a specific solo travelers’ group. I just wanted a company with a really good itinerary and really good reviews. At that point, I just wanted someone else to take care of it all. Exodus kept coming up, and I liked that it was an adventure company. Adventure was exactly what I wanted in my life at that point. Before I booked, I phoned to ask who else was traveling. The team talked me through the group, who was traveling solo and who was traveling with a friend, and that really reassured me. I was nervous before I left, but as soon as I arrived and saw someone holding the Exodus sign at the airport, I relaxed.

Everyone has a story

Five life-changing trips later

Within a couple of days on the trip, you find that everyone has a story, whether it’s grief, divorce or something else life has thrown at them. Those group dinners are really therapeutic when you start talking to people. One moment I’ll never forget was in Varanasi during the evening ceremony on the Ganges. We floated candles on the river, and I released one for Richard. By then, the women on the trip knew my story. They could see I was having a moment, so they quietly left me some space. It meant a lot. And of course, the guides have been amazing on every trip. They’re so proud of their countries, and they really want to share them with you. I’ll always remember Naveen, the guide on my India trip. One of the nicest surprises has been the lasting friendships. We still have WhatsApp groups from every trip, and we still meet up for reunion dinners.

I’ve since traveled with Exodus to Jordan, Peru, Cappadocia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and I’ve got more trips planned. One unexpected thing did happen along the way. I met my partner, Steve, on my trip to Jordan. But I wasn’t looking to meet anybody. I was quite happy traveling on my own, and I still enjoy traveling solo. Egypt is next on my list for February 2027, South Africa is high on my wish list, and my sister-in-law and I are already planning a trip to China to celebrate our 60th birthdays. Travel has been life changing for me. I feel like I’m honoring Richard by getting out there, exploring and making the most of life.

Ready to take your own first step? Find your adventure at exodustravels.com/solo-traveler

“

Adventure was exactly what I wanted in my life at that point.” Highlights of Morocco

NORDIC WINTER

The joy of

HYGGE W O R D S BY K R I S T E N W H I T L A

There’s a reason Nordic winters feel different. Alongside snow-covered forests, steaming saunas and candlelit cabins sits hygge – the Scandinavian philosophy of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. It’s found in gathering around a crackling fire, warming frozen hands on a steaming cup of glögi and embracing the season rather than escaping it. Hygge is a welcome reminder for you to slow down and really savor the season.

Sip

glögi in Helsinki Follow the festive trail through five European capitals, where winter is embraced rather than endured. Browse handcrafted gifts beneath Tallinn’s medieval skyline, sample local delicacies in Helsinki’s historic Old Market Hall, sip warming glögi in Helsinki’s Senate Square and soak up the twinkling lights of Riga’s Christmas Market. Between the celebrations, you ferry across the Baltic and pause in Tallinn’s oldest coffee house to decorate marzipan figures over coffee and sweet treats. Winter has rarely felt so inviting. Winter in the Baltics, Helsinki & Stockholm exodustravels.com/trip/abb

Ride

with huskies in Finland

In Finland, embracing winter means adventure and comfort often go hand in mitten. Venture out from Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming huddle of timber lodges overlooking frozen Juuma Lake. Glide through Riisitunturi National Park behind a team of eager huskies, and appreciate the close bond they share with their mushers. You also master fire-making, before gathering around together to roast marshmallows and sausages under the warming glow. It’s here you discover hygge in its purest form: simple rituals, good company and the quiet joy of winter. Finnish Wilderness Week exodustravels.com/cfa

Tuck into cardamom

waffles in Norway

By day, explore the snow-covered forests of Skåbu on cross-country skis. By night, head into the mountains beneath some of Europe’s darkest skies to hear tales of Norse mythology and ancient navigation written in the stars. Back in the warmth of family-run Skåbu Fjellhotell, cozy up by the fireplace before sitting down to hearty mountain cuisine. Don’t miss the hotel’s Norwegian cardamom waffles, served with Røros sour cream and homemade jam or traditional Norwegian brown cheese, (brunost), while snow settles softly outside. Cross-country Skiing in Skabu, Norway exodustravels.com/trip/cxs

Connect

with Sámi Reindeer Herders Hygge takes many forms in Swedish Lapland. Meet a Sámi reindeer-herding family and travel by traditional sled to their kåta, where you hear about their way of life in the Arctic before helping to feed the herd. Later, an exciting two-day forest ski expedition leads to a remote log cabin, where everyone pitches in to prepare dinner using water from the frozen river before a well-earned sauna. This is hygge at its most authentic: understated, unhurried and shared. Swedish Lapland Winter Adventure exodustravels.com/trip/csw

BOSNIA The Beauty Between W O R D S BY A L LY W Y B R E W

Bosnia & Herzegovina rarely makes Europe’s ‘must-visit’ lists – and that’s precisely its charm. Between primeval forests, remote mountain villages and cities shaped by resilience, travel writer, Ally Wybrew, discovers a country that’s far more nuanced than its recent history might suggest.

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BOSNIA

didn’t know what to expect from Bosnia & Herzegovina, but this wasn’t it. At my feet, a glass-clear river flows over water mosses, which bend to a current from a lazy wooden waterwheel. Beyond, a stone bridge stretches from one riverbank to another, connecting beautifully bricked, terracotta-tiled buildings clustered beneath rolling hills. With the summer sun glinting off it all, it’s a scene worthy of Disney. In reality, it’s Trebinje, Bosnia’s southernmost burg, and a pocket idyll just 30km from Croatia’s superstar city, Dubrovnik. According to my Exodus Guide, Samer Hajric, my surprise is not unusual. “For a lot of people, the memory of Bosnia is still shaped by the war in the 90s.” As my small group settles in for lunch at Restaurant Platani in Trebinje’s sun-dappled Freedom Square, we echo each other’s thoughts aloud: ‘how pretty’, ‘how quiet’, ‘how peaceful.’ After leaving the glittering Adriatic for Trebinje, it was clear the deeper we went, the wilder our route became. From the driver’s seat, Samer had shared that 60% of the country is classified as hillside or mountainous terrain, and 50% is “completely under forest.” He continues espousing Bosnia’s adventure credentials while tucking into veal ‘under the sač’ (meat and potatoes cooked under a domed clay hat). “In all my years guiding, one thing people always say is it’s hard to believe peaks like this exist in Europe that aren’t overcrowded. You can be here for seven days and hardly see anyone except the occasional shepherd.” It’s a bold statement, but coming from someone with 20 years’ hiking experience, I’m inclined to believe him. The next day, we drove up past the three-kilometer-long Lake Vrba en route to Sujetska National Park. Established in 1962, it’s the country’s oldest national park and home to its highest peak, Maglić (2,386m), and Perućica, one of two remaining primeval forests in Europe. Locally, it’s better known as the site of one of Yugoslavia’s most brutal World War Two battles: the Battle of the Sutjeska. My group clusters around the base of the Sutjeska Monument – a striking concrete structure depicting jagged arms reaching to the sky, whose facades are carved with cubist faces. As somber clouds roll in, Samer recounts a story in which more than 7,500 Yugoslav partisans lost their lives trying to escape Axis forces. Hearing the tale from someone whose relatives lived through it was a supremely moving experience, and I vowed to read Samer’s suggestion of The Embattled Mountain by a British SOE officer, William Deakin, who parachuted behind enemy lines to report on the Yugoslav resistance.

“

Beyond, a stone bridge stretches one riverbank to another... terracotta-tiled buildings and rolling hills… With the summer sun glinting off it all, it’s a scene worthy of Disney.”

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PORTUGAL BOSNIA Sarajevo

BOSNIA It stayed on my mind as we drove into Sarajevo. While the city effused the upbeat atmosphere of a vibrant capital, it still bore the scars of war. Bullet-pocked walls merged with modern structures, forming a web of streets mapping the basin floor beneath the four ‘Olympic Mountains’ of Trebević, Jahorina, Bjelašnica and Igman.

SERBIA

Lukomir Bjelasnica

Mostar

After a hotel bag drop, we were whisked a kilometer into the sky via swinging cable car, traversing the lower slopes of Trebević in just nine minutes to begin our hike through its forested face. Our hike was accompanied by bird song and scrabbling black squirrels, before the trees opened up to a plateau, dropping off to the valley below. Perched on the plateau’s edge was Jure Franko, referred to as a ‘hut’ by Samer, but whose log walls, generous sofas, steaming mountain tea, soup-infused scents and enormous Russian terrier, Dexter, sported vibes wholesome enough to challenge Oaken’s cabin in Frozen. On the way back, a short detour took us past the 1984 Winter Olympic luge tracks, which today serve as a multicolored canvas for street art, rounding off a nearly 10km hiking circuit. We refueled that evening in Sarajevo’s Old Town with a dinner of veal goulash, roasted red peppers and Sarajevsko Pivo (a locally brewed beer). After a hike across the moist floors of Studeni Potok’s valley the next day, we’d found ourselves in the highest living community in the country, Lukomir. A place where snow drifts stick around until July, Lukomir was a captivating collection of metal-roofed houses, shaggy sheepdogs and shawled women selling hand-woven wools. Perched on the edge of the Rakitnica Canyon, its mist-shrouded peaks felt like something out of Norse mythology rather than the modern-day Balkan Peninsula. The Monaco-worthy chicanes of the Bosnian hillside brought us back down to earth, the roughly 1435m descent taking us deep into the Mostar basin, which houses both the historic Mostar city and a microclimate Samer’s uncle likes to call ‘two Celsius below hell’ (though we all quite enjoyed the balmy 24-degrees after the bracing mountain mist). Here, a guided tour took us past a panoply of architectural styles – Ottoman, Mediterranean and European – as well as inside traditional Turkish houses. This area, together with the iconic Stari Bridge, was destroyed during the 1990s conflict before being painstakingly rebuilt and reopened in 2004, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. It was easy to see why. The blend of architectural styles, set among the narrow streets of a town cradled by green hillsides and divided by a fast-flowing river, gave it a beauty and character unlike anywhere else. By the end of the trip, the impact left on me was profound, something I credit in large part to Samer. Without my guide, I wouldn’t have understood the significance of Sarajevo’s history, discovered the nourishing flavors of Bosnian cuisine or ventured off-piste to marvel at the majesty of the Blagaj Tekke monastery clinging to a cliffside. I was left wanting more, as if I’d tasted a spoonful of rich gulaš then been deprived of the bowl. Bosnia had shown its true colors to me, and I’d found them blinding. Ally traveled on our classic tour Walking in Bosnia & Herzegovina exodustravels.com/trip/tvh

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Sutjeska N.P. Maglic Trnovacko Lake

Trebinje

MONTENEGRO

Dubrovnik

CROATIA Adriatic Sea walking areas

THE THREADS THAT BOUND THE WORLD For centuries, the Silk Road carried far more than silk. Merchants crossed Central Asia with goods, stories and ideas, and there’s still plenty being shared today. Out in Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert, ancient Merv rises from the sands. Once among the world’s largest cities, its ruins have quite a story to tell, especially with a local guide to piece it together. Cross into Uzbekistan and step inside Khiva’s humming artisan workshops to learn how silk carpets, ceramics and intricate woodwork are made. Even getting to Bukhara becomes part of the adventure, aboard a Soviet-era train rumbling across the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Beyond Samarkand’s great tiled Registan Square, the road pulls you east towards Tajikistan, where hardy adventurers can bump along the high-altitude Pamir Highway by 4x4. In Kyrgyzstan, the rhythm changes again. Try your hand at traditional felt carpet making, then spend two nights in your own private yurt beside Son Kul Lake, where horses graze and herding families still bring their livestock each summer. Near Issyk-Kul, meet an eagle hunter and see how hunter and bird work together in a centuries-old tradition. Quite a lot to fit on one map. Turn the page and see where the Silk Road takes you.

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Unravel the Silk Road There’s more than one way along the Silk Road. Seven, in fact. Scan to discover all our seven adventures.

S I G N A T U R E S T AY S

Vietnam

Topas Ecolodge | V I E T N A M High in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, Topas Ecolodge sits on a secluded hillside, each bungalow framing an uninterrupted expanse of emerald rice terraces. After a day exploring, sink into the heated infinity pool or unwind at the Rice Spa in a traditional Red Dzao herbal bath, infused with fragrant herbs long used for their restorative qualities. As dusk settles, a private H’Mong Khen panpipe performance provides a memorable soundtrack to the evening, before dinner at Restaurant 360°, where open-flame cooking, fresh local ingredients and sweeping views across the Ban Ho Valley come together in one unforgettable setting. Long after the final course, the view still commands your attention.

Stay here on our tour: S I G N AT U R E V I E T N A M | I N FA B R I C & F O L K LO R E

WildAT heart A N N A B E L T H OM P S O N

PRODUCT MANAGER

People often ask me where to go in Africa. I always tell them the better question is how they want to experience it. After 12 years creating wildlife adventures across sub-Saharan Africa, I’ve learned there’s no single “best” safari – only the one that’s right for you. For me, it all began in Kruger National Park. Since then, I’ve spotted a leopard draped in a tree, a newborn hyena curled beside its mother and even a boomslang dangling overhead. It’s why I’m hooked on wildlife travel. Because you never know what will appear around the next bend. Here’s where I’d send you, depending on the kind of safari you’re after...

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AFRICAN SAFARIS

BEST FOR: THE ULTIMATE WILDLIFE SAFARI If you don’t mind wild camping, this safari is hard to beat. Falling asleep to the sound of hippos, elephants and maybe even a lion’s roar, then waking up to fresh footprints around camp, is a real pinch-me moment. What makes this trip so special is seeing wildlife in so many different ways – on foot, by game drive, by boat and by traditional mokoro – each offering different sightings and perspectives. Along the way, our incredible local guides share the people, stories and rhythms of Botswana that make the experience something else entirely. Wildlife & Wilderness of Botswana exodustravels.com/trip/wzt

BEST FOR: THE WILDLIFE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF If you’ve already experienced a classic African safari and love a real adventure, this is where I’d send you next. Instead of the usual safari wildlife, you’ll search for 10 species of lemur, colorful endemic birds and tiny pygmy leaf chameleons found nowhere else. Along the way, learn about the traditions of the Bara people on a canoe journey, cycle through villages with a local leader and stand beneath ancient baobabs. Then there’s the Big Tsingy, where towering limestone needles create landscapes so extraordinary, they feel like another planet. Madagascar Wildlife Adventure exodustravels.com/trip/wms

BEST FOR: CYCLING WITH A SAFARI TWIST This is much more than a cycling trip. Riding a fat bike across the sweeping Swakopmund dunes is such a unique way to experience the Namib Desert. Beyond the desert, you’ll spot wildlife, climb towering sand dunes and camp beneath Namibia’s famously star-filled skies. The experience is deepened by our expert local guides, who love sharing their knowledge of Namibia’s wildlife, landscapes and culture. For me, combining cycling and safari is the ultimate adventure. It’s what makes this trip unlike any other. Cycle Namibia exodustravels.com/trip/mzn 4242| |SIGNPOST SIGNPOST

AFRICAN SAFARIS

BEST FOR: EARNING YOUR WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS If you enjoy challenging walks with rewarding views, this is the safari I’d recommend. You’ll hike the Tufa, Guinea Fowl and Leopard trails, with views across the beautiful Three Rondavels, as well as enjoy multiple game drives in Kruger National Park, one of the best places in Africa to spot wildlife. One of my favorite parts is crossing into Eswatini to hike in the Malolotja Nature Reserve, somewhere many visitors never experience. I love the combination of challenging walks and incredible wildlife. South Africa: Walking & Wildlife exodustravels.com/trip/tzs

BEST FOR: SAFARI IN SUPERIOR COMFORT If you want to travel in comfort without missing out on adventure, check out our new Superior safari. Luxury touches, from scenic desert sundowners and sunset drives to lodges where you can truly relax or even treat yourself to a spa make this a very different way to experience Namibia. Standout moments include tracking rhino on foot, visiting a cheetah conservation project and ending the day with a private bush dinner beneath one of the world’s clearest night skies, followed by guided stargazing in Etosha. Discover Namibia exodustravels.com/trip/aqn

Ready to find the safari that’s right for you? Explore our full collection of African adventures.

EXODUSTRAVELS.COM

FLAVORS OF THE

Americas

W O R D S BY K R I S T E N W H I T L A

Few places tell their history through food quite like Latin America. Every bite is part of a much bigger story – one that stretches across continents, spans thousands of years and continues to unfold around kitchen tables, market stalls and neighborhood cafés today. Across Mexico, Peru and Colombia, every recipe carries the imprint of the people who came before it. Indigenous communities cultivated maize, chillies and potatoes for thousands of years. African traditions crossed the Atlantic and became woven into Caribbean cooking, while European techniques gradually found new, exciting expressions through local ingredients. The result is one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse culinary landscapes, where every region has its own distinct flavors, rituals and stories to share. What unites these cuisines isn’t complexity or extravagance, but a deeply-rooted connection to place. Recipes are shaped by mountain villages, fertile valleys, bustling city markets and tropical coastlines, then passed from one generation to the next. Some remain almost unchanged after centuries, while others continue to evolve as each family adds its own twist. In Puebla and Oaxaca, mole recipes are often fiercely guarded heirlooms. In Lima, a dessert inspired by love and poetry has become a symbol of the capital. Along

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Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a humble plantain tells the story of cultural exchange across continents. Traveling through Latin America is as much about discovering these stories as it is tasting the food itself. Whether you’re learning to prepare traditional dishes with a Zapotec cook in Mexico, lingering over dessert in one of Lima’s historic cafés or wandering colorful streets in search of Colombia’s favorite street food, every one of our adventures offers a window into local life through cuisine.

Savor Lima’s Sweetest Sigh Your Essential Peru adventure begins in Lima, where one sweet treat deserves a place on every traveler’s list. Suspiro a la Limeña, or “The Sigh of a Lady from Lima,” was created more than a century ago by pastry chef Amparo Ayarza, layering velvety manjar blanco with a cloud of port-infused meringue. It was her husband, the poet José Gálvez, who gave the dessert its enduring name, declaring it was “as sweet and light as a woman’s sigh.” Today, it’s a beloved staple of Lima’s cafés and restaurants. Essential Peru exodustravels.com/trip/apd

Uncover Puebla’s World-Famous Mole Legend has it that nuns in a Puebla convent improvised mole poblano for a visiting archbishop’s feast. Whether fact or folklore, the dish tells Mexico’s story. Born from Indigenous chili sauces and Spanish influences, every family has its own closely guarded recipe. On our Discover Mexico trip, you’ll taste mole poblano in its birthplace of Puebla before traveling to Oaxaca, where a hands-on cooking class with a Zapotec cook teaches you to prepare mole, handmade tortillas and vibrant salsas. Discover Mexico exodustravels.com/trip/amx

Crunch into Colombia’s Caribbean Classic On our Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Caribbean tour, a guided street food tour introduces you to Bogotá’s vibrant food scene before you reach the Caribbean coast and its much-loved patacones con hogao. Brought from West Africa in the 16th century, plantains thrived in Colombia’s tropical lowlands and became a cornerstone of AfroColombian cooking. Today they’re twice-fried until irresistibly crisp, then topped with hogao, a slow-cooked sofrito of green onions, tomatoes, and coriander that’s considered the heart of countless Colombian kitchens. Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Caribbean exodustravels.com/trip/aac

VISIT US AT EXODUSTRAVELS.COM OR CALL ON 1 844 583 3704 |

ASK THE EXPERTS With just a canvas sheet separating yourself from the stars, camping really is wild sleeping at its most magical. But if your only experience is in a festival field or on a family vacation, you may want to know more about the adventurous nights we offer on our trips. Here are some common questions we’re asked.

L E W I S S A LT TOUR LEADER MANAGER

H O L LY PA R K I N S O N PRODUCT MANAGER

OLIVER O ’BOYLE PRODUCT MANAGER

I’d like to camp, but I don’t own any camping gear. What do I need to bring, and what will you provide?

I’m hiking the Inca Trail in 2027. How comfortable is the camping?

How different is an Exodus camping trip from camping independently?

It’s far more comfortable than you might expect! We use good-quality four-season tents and provide a dedicated dining area and toilet tent where required. Filtered drinking water is available throughout, along with warm water for washing each morning and evening. Where possible, we use official campsites where additional bathroom facilities can be available. All set up and take down is done by our amazing crew allowing you to focus on the sights, not the logistics!

Very different! On independent trips, everything – food, water, securing a pitch, putting up (and taking down) the tent – is your job. But on most of our camping trips, our support team transfers the equipment, pitches the tents, prepares the meals and packs everything away each day. For many, it’s the perfect introduction to adventurous camping and much easier than going solo. Just check the Trip Notes so you know exactly what’s coming!

I love a night in the wild and try to camp (at least!) once a year. My rule is to pack light, stay organised, and prepare for the environment. All our camping trips include a tent, and many include a sleeping bag and mat – check your Trip Notes to see exactly what is included. My top tip? Research where you’re camping and bring small comforts! An eye mask, earplugs or a camping pillow will help you sleep better.

CHEC K O UT O UR N EW YO U T U BE SER I ES, W HER E OUR AD V ENT UR E PR OS A N SW E R MO RE OF YOU R QU E ST I O N S

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B E T T E R T R AV E L

It’s in the bag

Sick of screen gazing? Then jump on this year’s hot adventure trend: analog travel. It’s all about ditching doomscrolling and staying present. Here are the items you need to travel like it’s 1995.

5 3

OLAROID NOW P I N S TA N T C A M E R A G E N E R AT I O N 3

O L E S K I N E PASS I O N M J O U R N A LS ( T R AV E L )

There’s so much to love: the iconic design, funky colors, no screen. But it’s the chance to instantly share physical photos with your group, tour leader, or local people that makes this one a hit on any small-group adventure.

Jot down your memories in this classic journal created specifically for travelers. A durable box cover means you can stick it in your backpack without worrying, while 400 pages provide enough writing space for even the biggest stories.

www.polaroid.com

www.moleskine.com

B I C YC L E 140 T H A N N I V E R S A RY P L AY I N G C A R D S

AC E B E A M P O K E L I T A A

Forget your phone’s torch, this handy pocket flashlight is small, powerful and simple. It’s water- and dust-resistant, offers three brightness levels, and attaches to a pocket, belt or bag with a handy clip. It also comes with a rechargeable battery, reducing the need to pack spares. www.acebeam.com

R A U N BC 05 T R AV E L B A N A LO G U E A L A R M C LO C K

For downtime, nothing unites a group like a good ole fashioned game of cards… or an impromptu magic trick. To make things a bit showier, this limited-edition deck celebrates the 140th anniversary of Bicycle with shiny accents on the cards and tuck case.

No one wants to miss the breakfast buffet, so ensure you’re awake with this compact alarm clock. It’s got a protective lid (with a world time zone map), plus snooze and light functions. A crescendo beep alarm means it’s difficult to ignore.

www.cardtopia.com

www.braun-clocks.com

M I G H T Y 3 (2026 E D I T I O N )

With this neat little MP3 player, you don’t need a screen or internet to soundtrack your trip. Handily, it can play your synced Amazon Music songs and podcasts offline and stores more than 1,000 tracks. It’s also drop- and water-resistant, music to any adventurer’s ears. www.bemighty.com

VISIT US AT EXODUSTRAVELS.COM OR CALL ON 1 844 583 3704 |

“ REWARDS Adventure has its

One trip with us is all it takes to become part of something bigger. From then on, you’re a member of the Exodus Loyalty Club, where every adventure unlocks more rewards. Enjoy savings on trips and flights, early access to new adventures, exclusive offers and extra perks as you move through the tiers. But the rewards are only part of the story. Over the past year, you’ve travelled far, helping support communities around the world through your adventures, and shared your experiences through five-star reviews. And that’s given us plenty to celebrate together.

Our premium hiking experience in the Dolomites with Exodus surpassed our expectations – the scenery, hotel accommodations, food, guide and hiking group were first rate. The choice of trails was spot-on.”

DEBBY, US

LOYALTY CLUB BENEFITS: FIRST TO HEAR Find out about new trips, offers and Exodus news at least 48 hours before everyone else – with occasional early-access discounts. MEMBER-ONLY OFFERS Enjoy special offers and discounts throughout the year, created exclusively for members of selected Loyalty Club tiers. NEW TRAVEL DIARIES Collect photos, notes and routes from your adventure on the Travel Diaries app, then turn your memories into a printed coffee-table book.

NEW

OUR LOYALTY TIERS & KEY BENEFITS:

One trip and you are a

Make it to 15 trips and you’ll reach

TRAILBLAZER

Two trips and you are a

GLOBETROTTER

Seven trips, you’re a

PIONEER

LEGEND STATUS.

$250 VOUCHER towards your 2nd trip

5% OFF 3RD-7TH TRIP + 5% off flights

10% OFF 8TH TRIP + 10% off flights

This loyalty tier is reserved for the most adventurous 1% of Exodus travelers.

All the benefits of a Pioneer plus an extra supercharged loyalty perk. Look out for yours online or in your inbox.* 48 | SIGNPOST

YOUR SHOT

W H E R E YO U ’ V E T RAV E L E D :

Together, you visited over

70 COUNTRIES

WIN A TRIP WORTH UP TO $5000

in the past 12 months.

NO 1 TRIP

ITALY

Enter our photo competiton

Our Classic Dolomites Hikes took the top spot, with spectacular trails, jagged peaks and Tre Cime views.

You traveled to Italy more than any other destination.

THE DIFFERENCE YO U ’ V E M A D E :

$87,000 Every adventure you book sees Exodus donate to the Foundation, raising over $87,000 this year alone.

30 

I N YO U R WORDS:

COMMUNITY KICKSTART PROJECTS

supported around the world

1000+

You’ve written 1,000+ 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Giving our adventures an “Excellent” Rating.

SUMMER PHOTOMASTER WINNER Kenneth Gray, Costa Rica

You’ve captured awe-inspiring views, spontaneous laughs with your group, and once-in-a-lifetime encounters – now it’s time to share them with the world. If your photo made you smile, stop in your tracks, or stare in awe – it belongs in the spotlight.

WHAT DO YOU WIN? A $5,000 Exodus Travels gift card. One lucky winner will receive a $5,000 gift card to put toward their next big adventure - plus bragging rights and a splash of Exodus fame.

HOW DO I ENTER? There are perks to being well-traveled. Head online to discover all your Loyalty Club benefits, latest offers and a few more reasons to start thinking about where you’ll go next. * Stay opted into emails to make sure you receive all your latest loyalty perks and promotions, or you can give our sales team a call.

All you need to do is upload your best hi-res image (JPG only, 2–5MB). Don’t forget a short backstory – where the photo was taken and why it’s a winner. Then hit upload. Your camera roll might just help towards funding your next adventure!

ENTER NOW: Scan here to submit your shot

INSIGHTS

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

T OM M A N C H E S T E R EXODUS ASIA PRODUCT MANAGER

Ask Tom what he remembers most about his recent trip to Tibet and his mind goes straight to countless prayer wheels turning beneath the Himalaya. He pictures pilgrims quietly walking the kora around monasteries and friendly locals greeting him with a warm Tashi Delek (hello). Labrang Monastery, in the traditional Tibetan province of Amdo, was one of the places that stayed with Tom most. “You’re surrounded by just Tibetan locals there. Our guide arranged an impromptu visit to a local family’s home for a meal. We ate lots of momos and enjoyed Lhasa beer. It was a really special moment.” The journey to Lhasa aboard the Sky Train, the world’s highest railway, is part of the adventure aboard a 22-hour sleeper train. “You board after dark and wake up surrounded by mountains before the landscape opens onto the vast Tibetan Plateau. Even though the train is oxygenated, you can still feel the air getting thinner as you climb above 5,000 meters. I’ll never forget seeing yaks, foxes and lakes and the slightly bizarre sight of railway officials saluting the train as it passes,” he says.

“

When I think of Tibet, I picture pilgrims walking the kora, prayer wheels turning and the Himalaya stretching into the distance. Those are the moments that define Tibet in my mind.

Then there’s Lhasa’s Potala Palace. “It’s the first place you really notice the altitude,” says Tom. “But the leaders are really good at looking after everyone. And because our guide was Tibetan, he could explain so much about Buddhism and everything we were seeing.” In the final few days of the journey, the Himalaya take center stage. “Seeing Makalu, Lhotse, Everest and Cho Oyu, four of the world’s highest peaks, from one viewpoint in perfect weather was also really special,” he says. “If you want to see the Himalaya but don’t want to trek, this is a fantastic place to do it.” Travel on the 22-hour sleeper train to Lhasa, visit Labrang Monastery, and explore the landscapes and living traditions of Tibet on our Discover Tibet adventure. exodustravels.com/trip/acb

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CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR TO FIND YOUR NEXT AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURE

EXCELLENT

FLIGHTS, UPGRADES & MORE PRODUCTION TEAM

Your adventure doesn’t have to begin and end with the tour itself. Our team can help arrange your flights, extra hotel nights and trip extensions too, bringing everything together in one place. So whether you want to arrive a little earlier, stay a little longer or simply hand over the logistics, there’s someone to help make it happen. Less time piecing together the practicalities. More time looking forward to the adventure.

CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

“

I discussed my plans with Georgia who was very helpful in answering questions and putting together a complete itinerary. Thank you for a very easy transition from plan to booking. Five stars readily awarded.” COLIN BLAKE, JULY 2026 | TRUSTPILOT EXODUS CUSTOMER

Managing Editor: Kirsten Pearson Feature Writers: Kristen Whitla, Jenna Berndt, Sam Murray Guest Contributors: Ally Wybrew, Annabel Thompson, Anna Neville,Tom Manchester, Wendy Lampert. Photography Contributors: Anna Neville, Mike James Head Of Creative: Chris Wall Design and Art Direction: Aneesa Dalwai Junior Designer: Kelly McCleery

If you no longer wish to receive our magazines, you can opt-out at any time by visiting exodus.co.uk/stop-mail. All information is correct at time of going to press.

ietnam V your way.

There’s no single way to experience Vietnam. Tackle the cloud-wrapped curves of the Hai Van Pass by bike, trek into Muong hill villages to stay with local hosts, or forage for wild botanicals with a master distiller in the northern mountains. Whichever way you choose, you’ll be led by the people who know Vietnam best.

YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS We have USTOA and TICO protections in place – so you can book your flights with confidence.

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