Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Reviews

Sandra Goodacre

Reviewed October 2014

Prague to Budapest trip

A beautiful way to see a little bit of 4 countries. I wish we had a rest day in Vienna as we had very little time to see anything. Two shorter ride days in Hungary could have easily been combined to give a day to see amazing Vienna.
The first three riding days in Czech Republic were hillier than I expected as the trip notes say it is not a hilly ride. Day 3 in particular was a long, hilly day. Do some hill riding before you go.
The trip could have been better organized at times and some of the hotels were in rather poor condition, but overall, I enjoyed the trip. The scenery is incredible and I will visit these countries again!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the fields of sunflowers mile after mile, and the beautiful wheat fields. Hard not to feel life is good!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana was very nice and wanted everyone to have a good time. More knowledge of the history and towns we visited would have been nice. Also more knowledge about the restaurants as we arrived in a new town would have been helpful so we didn't have to wander looking for a good place to eat. That's fun sometimes but when you're tired, advice is great!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your own bike seat. The seats on the bikes are not very comfortable. Also, if you're a tall man, bring your own bike. The tallest bike frame was 20 inches. I am 5'8" and the two tall men on the trip who were well over 6 feet had the same bike as I did. They were not impressed and were often uncomfortable. I took the trip in July and it was often very hot. Bring a large water bottle and electrolyte tablets.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to assure Sandra that the trip manger has taken her feedback on board and that our local operator is conducting a review of the bikes available to our clients, to ensure that they are of the standard and variety we expect. We are very glad that Sandra has been inspired to return to the countries visited on this trip and we hope that we will also be able to welcome her on another trip elsewhere soon – Exodus Customer Services

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Amandeep Manget

Reviewed October 2014

Highly recommended (but be prepared for the long journeys!)

All of the reviews of this trip are consistent in one thing – you will spend a lot of time on the road, but Peru is huge country and there is a lot to see so this shouldn’t come as a surprise! I loved this trip – its varied, with a great mix of town and country and plenty to see and do. I personally found the altitude to be challenging at times but due to the mix of going high and coming down lower found this became easier as the trip progressed. The coaches used were very comfortable and the hotels were clean, comfortable and when in the cities well appointed for the town centres. Those in more rural areas were beautifully appointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly Machu Picchu which was the whole reason for me going, it lived up to my expectations and more. The home stay on Amantani Island was lovely, its a beautiful untouched island and our hosts were so friendly and welcoming, and the visit to the floating islands was eye-opening. An additional highlight was the visit to see Juanita the Ice Mummy in Arequipa, not part of the itinerary but should be. But my favourite memory is of the unscheduled stop at the local school where our guide distributed his childrens' unwanted toys and clothing, those kids were amazing and so delighted to see us it was a very special morning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex is amazing, truly one of the best Exodus guides that I have encountered. His knowledge is impressive, nothing was too much trouble and he appears to know everyone in Peru which came in handy at times. He has a great sense of humour (which was needed for the early starts) and the ability to read the crowd to know when he was "losing" us as well as the ability to make you feel like a life long friend. If you're lucky enough to have him as your tour guide do follow his recommendations on where/what to eat - he never got it wrong (he'll be delighted to hear) and do ask to meet his wife and kids on the last day in Lima (who are lovely) he'll be chuffed to bits (but don't ask him to wet his whistle - it means something entirely different in Peru!). We also used some local guides (Bruce, Alex, Heidi & a local guide at Machu Picchu whose name escapes me) and again they all were all very knowledgeable on their local area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Light layers are recommended as the weather changes frequently & the early mornings/late evenings can be cold. A personal supply of toilet roll will come in useful for the "Inca" toilet stops, take your valuables with you to the homestay, (I left my kindle in my luggage which was left in the hotel in Puno overnight and someone decided to "relieve" me of it), drink plenty of water as it really helps with the altitude sickness and if possible get some altitude tablets before you go, not everyone was affected but some people had it bad...Don't got to the hot springs at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) as full of dirty trekkers but do go to those as Chivay as they are lovely (although in fairness there's not a whole lot else to do there). Do try the cactus ice-cream and Alapaca steak.

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Susan Donnelly

Reviewed October 2014

Vietnam Adventure

What a brilliant trip. As a single woman joining this trip I was a bit anxious about going, but as it turned out, I felt totally secure throughout, met a great group of people and had an amazing experience. The trip was well organised and full of interest, giving a taste of city life as well as the country side and Vietnamese values and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is hard to choose. Mekong Delta was really beautiful, but also thought the historical experiences like the War museum and Cu Chi tunnels very moving and informative. Trips out to see village life were a refreshing break fro city life. I went by Cyclo rather than biking and arrived in style!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was a first class guide and took great care of us. He gave us some great advice on where to eat, provided some really enjoyable optional experiences, even arranged a hot take away to be delivered to the train for our overnight journey! He is friendly, intelligent and resourceful, you are in safe hands with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are hesitating about this trip, don't. Just go. You will have an amazing time.

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Reviewed September 2014

A great week

I went on a challenging grade week and it lived up to the bill. Long walks across constantly changing terrain with temperatures changing just as quick. Really enjoyed the challenge – forests, grasslands, rocky terrain, scrambling – it had it all and there was never a dull moment, all the while I felt completely safe in the hands of fantastic guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

Heading back towards the minibus after 2 days of hard walking up peaks and along ridges and an overnight stay at a Refuge just as the sun was setting. The golden light shining across the mountains was pretty special for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull is an amazing group leader and an unforgettable character. Vastly experienced, knows the region very well, and is always funny and entertaining with many tales from her many adventures. She has a genuine warmth and works tirelessly to ensure all members of the group regardless of ability have an enjoyable and safe holiday. Her passion for life and nature is very inspiring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the long walks, especially on a challenging week - good footwear is essential. The refuge / hut are quite basic esp. bathroom facilities. Remember, there are no toilets or showers up the mountains.

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Michael Dowd

Reviewed September 2014

What an experience!

There is a lot packed into this holiday, some stunning walks and a chance to see some great historical sites. It’s a fantastic holiday destination.

Most Inspirational Moment

When I was young (!) I heard Richard Murphy in Newcastle reading his poems about the mirror wall at Sigiriya - and it didn't seem possible that I would ever see these haunting paintings. So that was great. But I also loved the tea plantations at Dickoya, the locals celebrating Buddhist new year in Ella and the honeypot that is Galle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was really helpful in lots of ways though in all honesty he didn't seem so keen on the walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I spent my free day in Galle rather the whale watching and totally enjoyed fantasising about which of the few derelict properties would be my new home.

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Lucy Chaldecott

Reviewed September 2014

A breath-taking week in the Tuscan mountains

I attended a ‘challenging week’ this September, along with 13 other like-minded, energetic walkers! The walks, arguably the most important part of a walking trip, were very varied with some woodland, some high ridge ways, some scrambles etc, all of which were breath-taking. The days were fairly long – we were generally walking for 6-7 hours daily – but the variety and beauty of the scenery meant I was sad to end each day! The accommodation is fairly simple but the owners are extremely friendly (and very good cooks!). The company was also great; our group got on really well and I couldn’t have asked for a more caring, knowledgeable, experienced guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment for me was standing on one of the mountain peaks, at over 2,000 metres (definitely earned lunch!), and having absolutely beautiful views every direction I turned, without other walkers, cars or houses anywhere in sight. There wasn't anywhere else I wanted to be in the world, except in that moment on the mountain top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Sara Bull, was fantastic. She went out of her way to ensure we all enjoyed the trip, whether this meant adapting the walk depending on weather, lending out her spare gear and keeping up our pecker with a constant biscuit supply! Sara is extremely knowledgeable about the region so has a plethora of suitable walking routes which can be chosen on the day to suit the weather conditions and the needs of the group. She also has a great sense of humour so you will be kept well-entertained. Make sure you ask her about a certain blue face mask!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was a 'challenging week' and lived up to this grade. Although it suited me perfectly, make sure you are prepared for long days of walking, some scrambling and a far amount of ascent. Don't be fooled into thinking you will be rambling around little farms and vineyards, as I had imagined a holiday in Tuscany may offer - this holiday far outdoes this expectation but take it from me, big mountains are involved! Make sure you take all your gear; some days we wore shorts and t-shirts yet others we needed several layers, hat, gloves etc. Lastly, pack your swim wear! The outdoor pool may be on the chilly side in Autumn but it is very refreshing after a day of walking.

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Kieran Lyons

Reviewed September 2014

Great holiday in the Dolomites

This is a really lovely trip offering walks of different grades in the stunning landscape of the Dolomites. Throw in a cosy hotel, good food, a few cold beers, and a group of like-minded companions and you really have a fantastic holiday for anyone with a decent level of fitness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a ridge on a sunny day with nothing to worry about except what I would have for my lunch!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric and Emily were fantastic. They really did their utmost to make sure we all had a wonderful experience and it worked!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are reasonably fit because you will enjoy it all the more if you are.

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clare gilbert

Reviewed September 2014

Beautiful Coastline

A very good tour for someone who can walk a bit, doesn’t mind steps and appreciates this stay at a hotel in a quiet village above Amalfi.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk of the gods was fun and exhillerating. We walked about 5 hours from the hotel all the way to the bottom of the steps at Positano. Couldn't think of a better way to justify a gelato at the end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was punctual, knowledgeable and hard working. Not only is he the village tour guide (he lives there) but he's the village taxi driver and overall entrepreneur. He is the Del Boy of Agerola.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are many stairs. You are staying at top of a cliff. Everywhere is down. Steps are the norm. There are extra expenses not included in trip notes, such as extra guides, tour buses and entrance fees. We used an extra 50 Euros each which did not include the spare day when we went to Pompei. Bring plenty of room for food. You normally get a 2 hour restaurant stop at lunchtime and there is an excellent 3 or 4 course meal waiting at the hotel too.

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Frank Sherling

Reviewed September 2014

Superb guide through lovely country

A trip filled with great wildlife , culture and religion . And the best guide ever . I can not remember having a guide doing more to make sure everobody having a good time . He made his trip a travel through a country with great culture , nature and food . A great trip . And a great guide .

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was cycling through teplantations and up to Muwara Eliya . A good challenge and wonderful views . Also seeing how the locals always met you with a smile . Wonderful country .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh for president !! Best guide ever . He gave us all a fantastic trip . He is the best guide i have met through 20 years of traveling third way .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it before it gets to crowded by tourist , this trip takes you to places you wont see on a bus trip . But be fit for cycling , this is a cycling trip .

Reply from Exodus

We are very pleased that Frank thoroughly enjoyed so many aspects of the trip. Please remember that you can vote for your leader in our annual awards by following the link on our ‘About Us’ page: http://www.exodus.co.uk/leader-awards

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Janet Chapman

Reviewed September 2014

montenegro, bosnia and herzegovina

I have been on several of your trips, but this one rates as one of the best. Anaid our guide was very knowledgeable and gave an unbiased account of the homelands war which was extremely interesting and made me want to learn more about the Balkans, so already looking in the brochure for next year.

Most Inspirational Moment

The way Anaid our guide brought the history alive in conjunction with visiting the museums made me feel that I could understood what the people experienced.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was extremely knowledgeable on the history of the countries. In addition he ensured everyone was okay and that he genuinely wanted us to enjoy our trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Start reading the Cellist of Sarajevo before you go and finish it while you are there

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