Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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170 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Neil Pittaway

Reviewed August 2016

Tour Du Mont Blanc Camping

I Just have returned from an absolute fantastic holiday on the Tour du mont Blanc camping trek (6-20 August 2016) with it’s breathtaking scenery and amazing walking!!! with some of the best views you will find any where in the world!!

The camping and walking experience is brilliant!!! and is a totally emersive experience with excellent and flawless organisation and in-depth knowledge on the areas and sites visited from our team leader / guide(s) Clare Appleby and John Briggs who made everyone feel included, welcomed at every stage of the holiday sharing their knowledge and passion for the outdoor life style and their love of the mountains in the regions covered on the tour.

Clare cooked some amazing food! and organised all the day to day camping and transporting logistics in a seamlessly flawless manor, whilst John did the same for the walking, providing excellent guiding and knowledge of the mountain scenery with it’s flora and fawner! etc.

The group two was excellent!! – with a good range of ages and mix of backgrounds and was a truly international group where we shared good humour over camping and some hotel dinners and on the trails!

The communal camping experience is also fantastic which enabled us to gel even better as a group sharing life experiences and stories from the trek.

This holiday is exceptional value and is a great introduction to the beautiful scenery of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is very hard to say what the most inspirational moments were on the trip as there were so many magical moments, these included swimming in a beautiful fresh water lake even though the locals seemed to think we were barmy doing this. however it was great fun and a good way to relax after a longish day trekking. The many varied views on the trek, the Helbruna cable car to the Aiguille du Midi and from the campsites watching and recording the sun rise and set on the Bosson glacier were truly stunning and inspirational. The great humour shared by the whole group and leaders during the trek and the communal camping life style Particularly having to muck in with the cleaning and washing up brought everyone closer together and more integrated as a group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John Briggs was and is an exceptional tour leader!! very dedicated and well organised!! John guided us all safely and brilliantly!! throughout each day of the trek. There were 14 of us on the trek and John set the pace brilliantly allowing for the people like me to have time to take photographs and to record the scenery through painting and drawing. John paced and managed each trekking day extremely well giving a detailed briefing each evening of what to expect on the days trails. John also shared his in-depth expertise on the mountain scenery and its flora a Forna. Whilst on the rest days he gave equally good briefings with options and directions of what's available to do in the region(s) where the rest days were spent. I have undertaken a number of treks in Nepal and some in south America and I have never had explained by any previous guide(s) how to be able to walk properly to use your boots and to be able to trust them to avoid potential walking hazards etc. John did this at key intervals in the trek which was extremely useful and made walking easier and safer. Clare Appleby who also had an equally difficult job of organising all the camping logistics including setting up each campsite, shopping and then cooking great three course dinners as well as transporting the luggage between each campsite. Clare made everyone feel extremely welcome and her cooking was amazing! If you are lucky enough to have John Briggs and Clare Appleby as your team leader(s) then you will get a truly well managed, organised and emersive camping trek that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to have a good level of fitness to do this trek with some experience of mountain trekking as some of the days have continuous fairly steep ascents and descents. It is important that you have a undertaken some training / walking in preparation for this trip before you go and to have the right equipment including good well broken in boots. I also find that trekking poles help a great deal whilst on the trails. The tents that exodus use are spacious and comfortable but I would recommend a good self inflating camping mattress and I also took a four season sleeping bag even though it was only cold a few nights during camping. You may need some extra Euros than outlined on the trip notes as some of the refuge drinks can be expensive. If it is clear and good weather it is well worth paying the 80 euros (approx). to do the return cable car trip from Helbrunna on the Italian side to the Aguille Du Midi on one of the rest days for some of the most breathtaking scenery of mountains you will see any where!! You can pay in Euros in Switzerland - so there is no need to take or change money into Swiss francs. Bring some swim ware / shorts - for swimming in rivers etc..

Hapsa Takolia

Reviewed August 2016

Dont delay the trip of a life time

This has to be one of the most amazing, fabulous trips I have ever done. The spectacular views, being in the mountains, supportive guides and a good bunch of walking minded people -top marks!!

Most Inspirational Moment

To have the ability to keep up with other walkers, to finish the tour and to have survived the whole trip camping!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeffrey Oonk was our tour guide.. I can not express what a wonderful guide he was. He was always attentive of everybody's abilities, enthusiastic about the walk and very knowledgable about the area, plants and animals. He made the trip exceptional and nothing was ever a problem or issue. He was always giving us advice about using walking sticks and walking up/down mountains as well as being very conscious/ethical about supporting the local communities. I would definitely recommend him as a guide and would be happy to attend any of his tours in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a complete novice on travelling alone with small group of people I had never met.. I kept debating about whether this is the trip for me, but now I am so glad I did it as I have had one of the best time. So If you are debating about whether this is for you, I would say go ahead and book. Read the information/guide provided by exodus and use their chat room to talk to like minded people and then you can't go wrong.

Stephanie Simko

Reviewed August 2016

Tour de Mont Blanc Camping and trek holiday

We thoroughly enjoyed the who trip, walking through spectacular scenery and camping it picturesque locations. It was well organised and met all our expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the alpine meadows with all the beautiful flowers surrounded by snow capped mountains. This could be a fabulous selling point for Exodus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeff was fantastic, well organised, knowledgeable, fun and a responsible leader. He had a special talent to spot any potential problems and sort them out quietly and efficiently. he had an excellent knowledge of the local flora and we enjoyed his regular explanations during the walks. Congratulations to Exodus on selecting such a high quality person to lead the trek. We would love to walk with him again. Also Andy the camp manager was amazing and produced delicious food with limited facilities for both vegetarians and non vegetarians . His pleasant and cheerful personality was a bonus at the end of a days walk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is worth doing some training before you go on this trip as physical fitness will add to the enjoyment of the overall experience.

Catherine Hocking

Reviewed August 2016

Fantastic Tour du Mont Blanc Camping trip

What a fabulous two weeks walking amidst stunning mountain scenery. We had mostly fantastic weather so the mountain views were spectacular and walking through carpets of alpine flowers in full bloom (end of July/beginning August) and lots of different butterflies made every day special.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was inspirational in different ways but reaching the top of each col provided fantastic mountain views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was undoubtedly the best leader I've had on a trip because he has the perfect combination of experience, leadership, support and sociability. I had knee problems from day 3 but I can't thank John enough for his treatment advice, his ongoing support and his kindness assisting with decisions about managing the problem which enabled me to complete the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As many other reviewers have commented, take poles they're invaluable for the steep descents. Embrace the camping experience; two weeks may sound daunting but the tents were spacious and the whole experience was so much fun. Take a small brolly - it really is useful for the sudden showers/thunderstorms.

Gina Moore

Reviewed August 2016

Fab trip

Two weeks of amazing scenery, mountains, camping, great camp mates and lots of fun. The camping was great, even the rainy evenings, as were the endless games of UNO and cards. The mountains were AMAZING and in my opinion this is a must do trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it really. Each day more great walking, more great views and more great memories

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was our walking guide and he was great. Lots of tips on walking technique for both the novice and experienced walker alike. Great pace throughout and lots of advice on any walking ailments from blisters to sore knees. He also had lots of little 'optional extra walks' up his sleeve, a good sense of humour but not such a great choice in his music!! Claire was our camp manager and she was fabulous. Camp always well set up on arrival with tea and biscuits waiting. Her dinners were absolutely great and exactly what you needed after a long day walking. I have some special dietary requirements and she went out of her way to get me food I could eat and cook a separate dinner for me. She was always helpful and really made the camping experience great. Claire our camp manager was

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are a MUST even if you have not used them before, you will need them on this trip. Bring with you a sense of humour and sense of adventure and you will be fine and have a great trip.

Joanne Griffiths

Reviewed August 2016

Fabulous!!

All the key elements I look for in a trip …. mountains, hiking, camping, new friends, lots of laugh and tired legs; this trip definitely delivered! Add in some great weather, maybe a little rain, great food, beer, gelato and Uno … an all-round awesome trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Simply spending time in jaw droppingly fabulous scenery ....... at every single turn. Fabulous group of fellow trekkers, so much joy and laughter every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

John clearly belongs to the school of tour leaders who make it look completely effortless; when it really isn’t. He knew and monitored every ailment, dodgy knee, blister, poor diet and sun burn of our team; but when it came to walking, it was like going out for a hike with a mate. Perfect pace throughout the trek, but providing us with additional challenges along the way. Genuinely fostered a ‘team’ ethos. Legend. Clare: cool, calm, patient and very professional. Without fail she would be at the entrance to our campsite on arrival (us - hot, tired, dirty and hungry) with a smile and clear details about the amenities …. toilets, showers and laundry. Tents would be up, kit bags out of the van, hot water for drinks and biscuit box at the ready …. beer in the ice box! The food she prepared was tasty, nutritious and plentiful. A special mention for the lovely cakes she sourced for my birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen and act upon the advice given by your tour leader (how to walk, what to eat, how much to drink, what to pack in your day sack, where to buy the best tart!) and you’ll practically skip up the mountains.

David Davies

Reviewed August 2016

Impressive scenery

A throughly good trip. The reason I haven’t score it higher is my own experience (I became ill part of the trip-not caused by the trip!) meaning I missed some of the walks (fortunately as the region has good transport links I was able to do some optional excursions to make up for the lost walks). I would have scored it as 5 stars otherwise. However from what I saw on the walks I did do the landscape is stunning and the campsites are well placed and comfortable. The group was highly sociable as you expect from most Exodus trips. Any person who likes walking/trekking holidays should do the Tour Du Mount Blanc.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was on one of the walking days I missed; the Aguide Du Midi cable car excursion must be done especially if the weather is great as the views are spectacular. From a walking point of view the best day was when we crossed the Grand Col Ferret; some of the best landscape I have seen. The walk from Les Contamines to Les Houche was also excellent (it is long day but worth doing).

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was the best group leader I have come across in all my previous Exodus run trips. Not only was he highly sociable but he knows his stuff and how to manage and solve issues as they arose. Claire who looked after us at camp and managed the support vehicle was also great. Excellent food was provided.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the trails. I have trekked in many countries and many of the trails weren't as difficult as those on the circuit. Lots of small steps and trust the advice that the guide gives. Under no circumstances don't do this trip without trekking poles. The trip really will wreck your knees if you don't.

Kaz Simmons

Reviewed August 2016

Tentally Brilliant!

Fourteen days of stunning scenery, wonderful friends made, consistently varied walks and terrain, mostly brilliant weather and lots of laughter.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention. I loved all of the walks and in particular the decent into Les Chapieux via the brand new path. Tons of butterflies and marmots to gawp at. The breathtaking view from the Grand Col Ferret, as well as the rewarding scenery at the top of Brevent after the demanding ascent on the last walking day were also favourites. The cable car on day 7 to see the views of Mont Blanc and surroundings were incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was amazing - the best mountain leader I've experienced. I learnt so much and the pace he set, particularly for the steep ascents, meant that our legs could withstand the full tour, without too much strain. I personally was pleased to find that I didn't find it as challenging as I thought I would and I think that was mainly due to the 'fairy-steps' approach we used when ascending and descending. He offered extra challenges for those who were keen and I will try and always remember the 'Tent Commandments' - our invaluable group/John-led 'rules' for hiking. He always kept good humour and his knowledge of the mountains, rocks and trees was brilliant. Clare, the campsite leader was so lovely, as was her cooking! Brilliant and creative cooking, as well as huge amounts of patience and composure - especially when the heavens opened frequently during the evenings. John and Clare are a brilliant team and I can't thank them enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use walking poles. I never had before and I definitely needed them on the descents. Get as fit as you can prior to the trip. Bring lots of Compede just in case. A lightweight umbrella is useful in the campsites. Anti-bac too. If you like to eat protein bars on a hike, bring them from home as they are much more expensive on the tour (as as is Compede). Waterproofs obviously. For me, bringing a map and going over what we'd done every night, was really rewarding. Highlights in camp were the endless games of UNO, Monopololy Deal and other card games. Lots of laughter and camoraderie when the weather wasn't so great.

Theresa Richardson

Reviewed August 2016

Stunning Trip

This is an outstanding trip, with stunning locations and views, which can not be highly recommended enough. The itinerary prepared by Exodus ensured that we got the most out of the trip. For us, the camping enhanced the mountain outdoor experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a joint review & for me it is impossible to pick one inspirational moment - the whole trip truly was an inspiration. For my husband it was the culmination of the 1500m (4500 feet) ascent from Les Bossons to Brevent (like Where Eagles Dare!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeff was an outstanding leader. He clearly has a passion for everything outdoors. He not only guided but also fully informed you at every opportunity as to the flora, fauna and wildlife - his background in biology came through in the knowledge he was able to impart. He also managed the groups various skill and fitness abilities in a very delicate manner where everyone was made to feel that they had achieved. He was sociable outside of guiding and had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are of a good level of fitness then this trip will require some effort from you but you will be able to enjoy it to the full. If you fail to prepare then you are preparing to make life very difficult for yourself and you won't get the full benefit of enjoying this amazing trip. Make sure you have good kit to equip you for rain or sunshine. There are washing machines and tumble driers at most of the camp sites so no need to over pack. Be prepared to muck in at mealtimes with preparing/packing away the dining area.

Richard Toller

Reviewed August 2016

TMB - Trekking Made Brilliant

Up with the very best walking/trekking holidays we have done. Two weeks camping, ten days well-paced walking with well-spaced free days. Our group was very mixed but gelled together very well; the weather was very mixed but mostly sunny, often hot – and when the sun didn’t shine and stuff fell out of the sky, we all found there is no such thing as bad weather – the variety just added to the atmosphere. Varied terrain, stunning views and just the right level of challenge.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole thing! The day over Grand Col de Ferret from Switzerland into France when we went up into the cloud and snow and came down into sun and rain (at the same time) may not sound like a highlight but all agreed it was. Cablecars on the first free day to Hellbronner and over the glaciers to Aiguille du Midi - just amazing! Hot chocolate in Bonatti Refuge, ice cream in Courmayeur.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was one of the best walk leaders I've ever had. Perfect pacing, useful tips and local knowledge. His advice on what clothes to take each day, based on weather forecasts, and how much water to carry, was always spot on. Claire moved our stuff and looked after us in camp and was just amazing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it! It is challenging (I'd rate it a 5 rather than 4) and you need to be fit, but if you aren't quite as fit as you'd hoped, you gain fitness as you go along. The rewards more than match the challenge. Be prepared for any weather.

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