Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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334 Reviews
4.8 out of
5
Reviews
Charlie P-W
Reviewed August 2016
An absolute dream of a trip
I can’t recommend Mont Blanc Highlights enough. I had never been on an organised activity holiday before, so I was a bit apprehensive about what it might involve. Also, I think it felt like a lot of money to be spending on a holiday (well, to be anyway). I think in light of the experience I had, I would’ve paid more for it. It was wonderful. The standard of everything was so high, my expectations were surpassed at every stage. The walking was glorious, and pitched exactly right for my fitness. We all loved our leader and our hosts. The food was out of this world. And the views… oh my. Italy day was my fave. But there wasn’t a single day that I didn’t enjoy. Even though this is an activity holiday, it was such a relaxing holiday: all you can concentrate on is putting one food in front of the other, which is incredible therapeutic.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many! There were some quite intrepid bits to the climb (clambering over a few rocks for example), and some of the climbs felt so steep! After 950m of up, I felt really proud to have succeeded. The views were awe-inspiring. A lady on our trip had had two hip replacements, and she pretty much kept up with all of us, and I found that inspirational actually- what a star.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter was absolutely BRILLIANT. He was so much fun, and chattered away to us, but he had so many interesting things to tell us about nature and walking. He set a great pace for everyone, and it was really reassuring to have him around. We all loved him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I wore a hat, and I found it so helpful against the sun. We all got burnt on the first day, and Exodus aren't exaggerating when they tell you you need to bring high factor. I wouldn't buy poles before you go: people varied on their preference for them (I tried them, but I didn't like them personally), but there were spare poles in our chalet which meant we could have a go with them and see how they felt.
I'm 30, and there were quite a lot of people around my age in the group, which was great. You're going on a walking holiday: you're going to meet good people, regardless of age. But I did appreciate the fact that most of us were roughly the same age and so walked at around the same pace. But to be honest, most people who come on these holidays are fairly fit anyway, so it's not a big thing really.
Jane Jeffries
Reviewed July 2016
Mont Blanc Highlights
In July I walked the Mont Blanc Highlights tour. For anyone short of time or concerned about doing the full circuit this a great tour. You get to see the best of the best and are based on Chamonix. I think it is great to come back to the same base each night . We had a delightful chalet right in Chamonix town, with the excellent hosts and chefs. Sarah and Rich looked after us, cooked a delicious three course meal every evening, baked wonderful afternon tea each day on our return and took us to the beginning of your walk daily.
I can’t talk highly enough of the general organisation, Sarah and Rich and the professionalism and knowledge of our guides, Rupert and Jen. I highly recommend Exodus Travels and will use them again.
Most Inspirational Moment
Achieving an ascent of 1,000 metres on our walk to Le Brevent.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jen, our guide was excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book with Exodus - you won't be disappointed
Catriona MacKinlay
Reviewed July 2016
Mont Blanc Highlights
This was an excellent trip to do. I do have a pretty good fitness level but have not done a huge amount of hiking, however although I did find it challenging it was enormously rewarding and I can’t say strongly enough how fantastic the views are!
Most Inspirational Moment
The views of Mont Blanc are absolutely breath-taking!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter was very knowledgeable about the local area (living locally himself) and this helped a lot with the local information. He was pleasant and lovely to chat to also.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Eric Kravitz
Reviewed July 2016
Mr Eric Kravitz
Great trip with stunning scenery on each hike. Great town, great food and hot tub at the exodus chalet
Most Inspirational Moment
Aguille Di Midi
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jenny was a very knowledgeable and personable guide who conveyed her appreciation and passion for the region well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't miss the opportunity to do the Aguille di Midi cable car gondola ride between France and Italy on the free day. It's amazing.
Carol Taylor
Reviewed July 2016
Excellent Chamonix Walking holiday
An excellent walking holiday that encompasses all the best bits of the tour of Mont Blanc into 1 week with the luxury of a chalet base in Chamonix.
Most Inspirational Moment
Amazing walking with a constant back drop of the Mont Blanc massif.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic leader who was knowledgeable, friendly, sociable (always ready for a beer and chat at the end of each walk and joined us for dinner and a drink in the evening), made the group feel safe on the mountains paying particular attention to people who felt uneasy on uneven and steep ground. Some members of the group were difficult to manage and didn't seem to understand that group safety was the guides priority, and even in this difficult situation the guide was professional and attentive to everyones needs. I always felt safe and well looked after on the mountains.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is some steep climbs at moderate altitude but the guides ensure that you can take your time and you never feel pressured to keep up with the group. So walk at your own pace, stop regularly to enjoy the views and you will get up and down the hills with out difficulty. This is a great taster trip if you haven't done anything like this before put are thinking of doing a trekking holiday in the future.
Ginette Johnson
Reviewed July 2016
Mont Blanc Highlights
This was my first experience of an Exodus holiday and I loved it. I will definitely be using Exodus again. We were in a group of 14 with one guide for each of the walks, Rupert on the first day, then Jen for the rest of the week. Both guides were excellent and tailored the walks very well for our group, and for the conditions. ourwalks weren’t as strenuous as indicated in the tour information, but that was appropriate for our group. I and one other member were very uncomfortable with some of the drops around us, but both Jen and Rupert were very supportive and helped me achieve more than I was expecting. The walks were all amazing in beautiful scenery.
Most Inspirational Moment
I can't pick out any particular moment, but walking in the beautiful alpine scenery was just amazing. My favourite walk was on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, walking along the balcony paths around Val Ferret to the Bonati refuge. The alpine flowers on all walks were beautiful, and we were lucky enough to see ibex, chamois and marmots. The trip up to Aguille de Midi on our day off was well worth the money. We also took the cable car across the glacier to the Italian side of Mont Blanc and saw the incredible site of the glacier with all its crevasses at its source.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 2 group leaders - Rupert on our first day, then Jen for the rest of the week. Both were excellent. They knew the routes very well, and also had close links with the other guides in the area so that you had the reassurance that guides were well aware of any problems, such as snow, on the routes. Both guides tailored the walks very effectively for the group, and we're both very supportive with those of us that were uncomfortable with heights. They helped me achieve more than I thought I would be able to do.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This Highlights holiday was a great introduction to a walking holiday with Exodus. I am not an experienced walker and was hesitant before going, but I knew that by staying in the chalet for the week I could opt out of a walk if the guide thought it inappropriate for me. I now feel confident to have a go at some of the more strenuous holidays.
Alan Johnson
Reviewed July 2016
Mont Blanc Highlights Review - July 2016
The Tour of Mont Blanc highlights proved to be an excellent holiday for myself and my wife. The scenery, the walks, the weather and the supporting Exodus people were all brilliant.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our hosts Sarah and Rich were very nice and friendly people - it is worth going on the holiday just for Sarah's amazing cooking. We all looked forward to seeing what she created for dinner. I had the best food across the week that I have ever had on any holiday. I was tempted to miss one of the walks and ask her if she could teach me how to cook like that. Forget Jamie Oliver and the rest - Sarah is the boss.
The walks - and Sarah's lunches - were consistently good and it is difficult to pick out a favourite.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The guides Rupert and Jen were very reassuring and set the length and pace of the walks according to the capabilities of the whole group. They dealt very well with members of the group with height concerns on elements of the walks and made the walks fun. If you can't talk while you walk, you're walking too fast was one of their suggestions! Jen taught us how to use walking poles correctly which was a massive bonus from the holiday.
The Italian walk, Le Brevent (suggested to the group by Jen as it was more interesting than the Aiguillette Des Houches walk) and a snow covered Lac Blanc were all really rewarding walks with super views. Jen took us on a little used path on the return from Lac Blanc and we got up close to Ibex, Marmotts and Chamois which was an unexpected bonus.
Krystyna Kiel
Reviewed June 2016
Highlights of Mount Blanc in bad weather
This was a terrible weather week. The mountains were visible on our arrival and for about 30 minutes on our free day. I had an injury that kept me from hiking, but everyday I welcomed a bedraggled group. Their reviews varied from awful to nice walk, but no views.
Most Inspirational Moment
The gondola up to the Aguille de Midi. The views were spectacular. But these were on our own.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Not the appropriate leader for non-climbers (which he is). I don't know how flexible the trip was, but the weather (the week that paris had its floods) dampened everything. The free day should have been switched with another day, for it had the best weather. Our guide went climbing with friends. I had asked our guide, as I couldn't hike, as to whether there were any drop off points that I could return from by myself. The opportunity to go to Italy was sprung on me as the group left. I couldn't manage that fast; I found that irritating.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pick a season of least rain.
Lynn Nicol
Reviewed June 2016
Mont Blanc Highlights
I recently went on this trip and as per usual I enjoyed another Exodus adventure. We enjoyed sunny days, blue skies and warm weather for early June. Lots of snowy mountain tops all around us. The timing was perfect as the previous two weeks were showers, bleak days.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Mont Blanc from our Chalet windows and being surrounded by snowy mountain tops. The Alpine flowers were wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nick was very professional and knew this area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The days were quite warm and sunny for early June considering there had been a late winter. We got sunburnt a couple of days. Don't be disappointed if it rains We did have some brief showers but nothing to spoil our daily walking. It was raining the Saturday we departed so maybe the next group would have had rain. The previous group to us had rain. We just had a lucky week with good weather.
Sharwari Deshpande
Reviewed October 2015
Alpine spirit
Alpine spiritMont Blanc highlights – Guided walk – 03.10.2015 to 10.10.2015- Sharwari DeshpandeI stood in the balcony of our pretty chalet, gazing humbly at the Alps, hoping they would welcome us. Then I looked a bit higher, at the blue sky and made a silent appeal for the weather to be favorable. I sensed the invitation as well as the approval, the optimism, generating some warmth in me in spite of the chill in the open balcony. En-route to Chamonix, anxiety peeped through the colouring foliage, it was a one and a half hour ride in the bus with Mark, our guide and the other team mates. Settling down in the Chalet was easy, after which we explored charming Chamonix. A river flowing busily beneath a bridge, sports shops, eateries, chocolateries, lots of flowers everywhere, friendly people and of course a cute little train crossing by, did a great deal to raise the spirits. Supper times in the chalet, promising to please, chatting, sipping wine with the team mates and enjoying the hospitality of the wonderful hosts, Jane and Collins. The edible delicacies that the culinary expert in Jane dished out, were always looked forward to. The meals were well presented, appetizing and always followed by simply irresistible Desserts. The walks were not easy but not too difficult. A certain level of fitness is required. One should be able to run, may be 5 Km in 30-35 minutes and walk for 8 hours. Anything less than that is bound to hold up other members of the group who are fit. The trek was graded as moderate but the definition of Moderate was not given so I thought of providing one as per my understanding. We were a team of 8 people. 6 from UK, and two of us from India. One solo woman was older, around 70 and one 25 year old young man. All the rest were within 40 to 50 years of age. The older woman had to drop out on the first day as she could not catch up with the others. On the last day, 2 of them dropped out. The rest of us completed the 5 day trek. The walks provided spectacular views and we were blessed with good weather. Apart from fitness, these are requisites which make the trek enjoyable. We were fascinated as we explored around the Mont Blanc, passing through three countries France, Switzerland and Italy. Mark knew the route well and also had a fair understanding of the weather forecast. We walked almost 7 to 8 hours for five days. Day one was Orientation. On the second day, we went from Montroc to Aiguettes des posettes at 2201 m height. Col de Posettes to Chalet du Balme and from Le tout back to Montroc. The third day, we walked through the Merlet national park, spotting some red deer and gazelles inside a fenced area. We stopped at a very picturesque refuge, Bellechat at 2259 m. From here to Aguettes des houches, chalet Chailloux and then to Bettey parking where the car took us back to the Chalet Chamonix. This was an interesting and long walk through the woods. It was drizzling and the ground was wet and slippery and we had to watch every step. Day four was free day. The free day was spent in sight seeing and shopping in Chamonix and at night dinner at a plush restaurant with the team mates, followed by drinks at the Jekyll and Hyde pub ! Day Five took us to Col de Voza from Maison Neuve. We stopped for lunch near the Passerelle bridge, moving on to Le Champel and then to La gruvaz. The next day was interesting as we walked on the Italian side. We drove through the Mont Blanc tunnel(22 miles) to Italy, walked through the Bonnatti refuge, moving further to the beautiful Ferret valley and ending at Courmayeur. On the last day we started from Col de Montet. Then from Windy point to Lac Chesery, a calm and serene place. On the way stopping at La Floria and then the unending walk through sloping loops, into Chamonix outskirts and back to Chalet. The 2 minute standing stops were timed so well, they gave some relief after a steep climb. There were some adrenaline moments, wherein the road was narrow or no road, climbing on large stones, slippery road but Mark was careful and helped wherever required. Almost every time after this, on the next turn, full of beauty, the landscape would be treat to the eyes. The five days brought to us different flavors. The first day introduced us to the Alps. We were awestruck by the breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc, Aguille du Midi. The walk through the woods of Merlet National park was interesting. It rained on one of the days and that too was enjoyable, gave opportunity for the poncho to be worn. Most of the packed lunches we had, by a stream, lake , very scenic refuges. These beautiful locations refreshed and replenished the energy. Café au lait in a cute café on the way on one of the days, provided the ‘high’ which had me almost romping downhill. I was most delighted to have the yummiest Hot chocolate at Café Bonatti. The chocolate walnut biscuit was great accompaniment. This also helped to infuse some enthusiasm. The Café is named after the legendary Italian climber Walter Bonatti. Photos of the climber were displayed in the Café. We enjoyed great views of the hills during a balcony walk. Climbing on the Italian side exciting. At the end of the long stretch, we had ice cream at the Gelateria in the cute Italian town of Courmayeur. The most exciting moment was when we spotted the Ibex and Chamois grazing in the mountains. They were indifferent to our ogling and continued with their meal hungrily. It was good to know they felt safe and did not flee at the sight of humans. The last day was longest but Mark took us, on the route, to the ‘ Chalet Floria’ , floral extravaganza in a Café. We had the nicest blue berry cake and myrtille yoghurt but what gladdened the heart was the flower garden so well maintained, colourful and lovely. We were once again rejuvenated to carry on our long trail, on the last day, back to cosy little chalet Chamonix. To summarize, this was the most well organized, efficiently guided walk, at a splendid location with excellent company of like minded and fit fellow trekkers, hosted at the chalet with great warmth and care.This was indeed the best way to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and my husband Upen and I will cherish every moment. Thank you Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
I was inspired by the mountains, their loftiness, beauty, the challenge on rough tracks. I was inspired by the guide Mark's fitness and understanding of the route. I was inspired by different things from each of my team members as well as the hosts. I was inspired by the consciousness every trekker had for maintaining the alpine environment clean and litter free. The inspiration is what gave me the strength to proceed and reach the destination
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mark was experienced and efficient. Knew the route well. He was disciplined and took correct decisions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Fitness criteria - You must be able to run 5 Km in 30-35 minutes and if you can walk for 7 to 8 hours on each day. Take the tour only if you comply. Prepare/train yourself well for above - It is worth the efforts
