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.

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14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2014

Mont Blanc Circuit

An absolutely brilliant trip from start to finish. Fabulous scenery, a brilliant group of trekkers and great fun, despite some mixed weather and spectacular storms.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pinpoint one moment but I really enjoyed the extra 'optional' challenges that were set by our guide John. Huffing and puffing my way up the extremely steep 560m of the Col du Tricot faster than my target time felt like a massive achievement, as did completing the circuit after ten long days of hiking. It's a long way. 100% worth it but we definitely deserved a celebratory drink or two at the end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was an excellent leader. Very approachable and patient, with a good sense of humour and a truly wonderful singing voice?! Graham was equally excellent back in camp, always welcoming us when we came back to camp after our walks and providing delicious food (plenty of it) and a very welcome bar. I should also mention his 'jokes' and spooky ghost stories...

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take an umbrella! It might sound crazy for the mountains, but you'll need it. Warm clothes are a must for evenings in camp. Also, if you're not sure about doing this trip due to worries about camping...don't worry! I had never camped for this long before but learnt to enjoy it!

Sophie Dean

Reviewed August 2014

Highlights of Morocco

A really busy but welll planned trip – I was very impressed with the support and organinsation

Most Inspirational Moment

high Atlas Mountains and sleeping in the Sahara desert under the stars - totally amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

A really fabulous leader, interesting, informative and full of excellent information. I learnt alot about the country, culture and history. Brilliant at trouble-shooting and dealing with any issues that evolved. I couldn't rate him more highly

Advice for Potential Travellers

do the Hammam in the High Atlas mountains

Djamila Stachowski

Reviewed August 2014

Amazon Rainforest - Lake Titikaka - Inca Trail - dep 25 July

It was a fabulous trip, great adventure and fantastic experience. I was glad I booked the combination of rainforest/ inca trail and lake Titicaca, as the inca trail only would not have been enough. Fantastic landscape and scenery, very lovely people throughout. Our tour leader, Luis Gonzales, was fabulous. Very knowledgeable, good fun, full of advise and tips. I can only highly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

All three parts of the trip were so special, and very different. I would find it very hard to pick one exceptional moment. But seeing Machu Picchu was special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Luis Gonzales. He does a fantastic job! He is very knowledgeable, good fun, full of advise and tips. We felt very 'safe' with him and could be sure to not miss out on any attraction. The other guides (rainforest: Franck, inca trail: Marcia, lake Titicaca: Alex) were great too, and added the extra bit of knowledge and spirit to each of the parts of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light. Take functional clothes. I was very glad I took my sleeping bag liner, which I used everywhere (even when we had beds).

Susan Duncombe

Reviewed August 2014

Tour du Mont Blanc

Beautiful views, great camaraderie within the group and with Exodus guide and cook. A fantastic 2 weeks!

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch stop with view of Mont Dolent. Beautiful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had confidence that in a crisis situation we'd be ok with him. Thankfully we never had a crisis situation. He paces the walks well, had local knowledge and also knowledge of flora and fauna

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a bit worries about the camping as I hasn't been in a tent for 30 years. However, I'm sooooo glad I didn't do the hotel version of the trip. So much fun camping and the group were a hardier and more fun lot than the hotel group

Susan Drake

Reviewed August 2014

Uzbekistan uncovered

This trip has an excellent itinerary – an absolutely perfect mix of guided sight-seeing, individual time to explore & little extras, like the camel ride and lake-side swim. (Again, this was just the right amount of time as we met other groups who had two nights at the yurt camp & we felt that the timing for us was perfect after after the desert castles).

Most Inspirational Moment

With so many amazing sights, it is hard to pick one. I loved Khiva, probably because it was so compact and the first glimpse of the city really took my breath away. There so many beautiful buildings and sights and the Uzbek people offer a warm welcome wherever you go. I loved the fact that there were more Uzbek tourists at all the key sites than foreigners and we ended up starring in many of the locals' photos as a 'holiday oddity' for them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod is an extremely knowledgeable and patient guide. He is able to answer any question and is extremely thoughtful, asking discreetly after health and able to make allowances as required. Not only did he book taxis for individuals to see whatever they desired in free moments, but he also put them into the taxi and helped to negotiate the fare.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled at the start of August. It is hot (35-42 degrees) but the advantage of this is that it is 'off-season' so the sites are not crowded. If you can take the heat, it is a good time to go. Drink lots of water and wear long sleeves - cover up! You will quickly get used to dealing with the stacks of notes - but never as adept at flicking through them to add up as the locals! Some of the journeys are sometimes long because the roads surfaces are not always good, but the infrastructure is gradually improving and it is just one aspect of the trip.

eric winstone

Reviewed August 2014

tour du Mont Blanc

This trip lived up to all the expectations. The weather was mixed with heavy rain and sleet and three days of sunshine. Two things make a trip like this successful, the leader and the way in which the group gel together and interact. Both of these ingredients were very much in evidence and this made the trip an even better experience. The trekking was at the right pace and there was good support of each other throughout the 8 days. the accommodation and food were excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

by far the most inspirational moments of the trip were the magnificent alpine views of glaciers and soaring peaks. the snow level was very low and this added to the majestic landscape we saw. Also the fact that there were many other groups and individuals along the route and the friendships made were excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. She had done her homework on the group and planned her day around supporting each individuals needs - quite difficult on a trip like this. She was informative about local issues and confident and clear with her directions and instructions. She also had a sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a tough walk and dont underestimate the fact that you will be walking over 70 miles with 6500m of ascent over 6 days. Travel as light as possible - about 9k max.

Chris Knaack

Reviewed August 2014

Cycling Cuba

Definitely going back to Cuba.

Most Inspirational Moment

The experience of immersive tourism. This trip was completely unlike going to a tourists-only beach resort. On several occasions (Caleta Buena, Bayamo, Gibara), we ate, drank, and could chat and dance with vacationing and partying Cubans. Our group leader also created many opportunities for us to meet ordinary Cubans, by having us stop at their houses for coffee, dine at family-run restaurants, etc ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

I found out via Google that our leader Freddy Camara has been nominated for "best Exodus guide worldwide", and I can see why. His love of Cuba is apparent, as is his desire to communicate it to the members of the group. He made looking after 18 people's needs all at once look easy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you absolutely must do this trip in the July-August timeframe, be aware that the heat and humidity make this more of a 4 out of 9, rather than the rating of 3 posted on the Exodus website. Even Freddy said of doing this trip in summer "this is crazy". Unless you are already an avid cyclist, put in the hours in the saddle before the trip. Someone in our group suggested 100km per week for several weeks prior to departure. This sounds about right. Buy a camel pack, rehydration salts, even a gel seat.

Sheena Small

Reviewed August 2014

Fabulous in every aspect

John and Graham run this trip as a well oiled machine. Everything is well set up on the camping side and they establish an efficient schedule for everything from breakfast to luch making to second breakfast and first lunch. John paces the walking exceptionally well making sure no one peaks too early but that everyone knows they are on a walking holiday and not out for a stroll. All these aspects go to make a fabulous and hassle free holiday with a good work out, fabulous scenery and delicious meals.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being pushed to take on the Tricot challenge and developing an understanding of the challenges and dangers faced by the many mountaineers who climb in this region as we looked at the spectacular beauty of the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both John and Graham conducted themselves in a thoroughly professional manner but carried out their roles with humour and enthusiasm that demonstrated a passion for what they do. No request was too much for Graham, including the request for 2 bottles of Limoncello for his bar, and John demonstrated an amazing breadth of mountain knowledge on every subject from identifying conifers to the early ascent of many of the mountains, delivered in manageable bits that kept it all interesting and did not overwhelm.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather in the evening was cooler than I expected so I would take a few more warmer clothes than you might expect. Also - take the umbrella recommended on the trip notes. It comes in really useful walking in the rain in the mountains, keeping you a lot cooler than your waterproofs. I know you will be sceptical reading this advice about a trekking holiday - we all were as well when John suggested it!

Kathy Janzan

Reviewed August 2014

Trails of Vietnam

If you want to get a real taste for Vietnam, it’s cities, countryside, culture and people, this is the trip for you! A full on experience, with many modes of transport travelling from North to South of the country, this trip did what it said on the tin and more!! Absolutely amazing, loved every minute!

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course, the obvious highlights are the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, Mai Chau and the Mekong Delta. My abiding memory will be cycling through the villages, along canals and rivers and the friendliness of the local people. The lunar festival at Hoi An with the coloured candle lanterns floating down the river, was another stand out memory and romantic covered bridges and having a beautiful silk jacket made in 24 hours! Cruising Halong Bay and witnessing a magical sunset with limestone giants in shadow......

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa, was amazing- knowledgable, well organised, kind and considerate. He was obviously so proud of his country and wanted us all to have the best experience....which he managed extremely well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a small 'running' rucksack for the cycling and trekking for those essentials and camel bag.

Alia Darweish

Reviewed August 2014

A wonderful trip - not a holiday!

A great trip if you are fit. TMB is a tough challenge for those who are not in the best possible shape, regardless of age, in which case, go for a shorter version and stay in the hotels. Camping in Europe is rarely the most luxurious option, but adds to group camaraderie and spirit of this option of seeing all the Mont Blanc massif has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the rain came, the storm rolled in and the group pulled together - friendships were built, hot chocolate and cakes consumed in large quantities, and ultimately we were rewarded with wonderful views and a great sense of achievement coming to the final miles of the trip. All worth the mud and endless wardrobe changes at the top of the cols...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was measured and thoughtful - he adapted our route to keep us safe in all weathers, and respected the fact that a lot of us were pretty fit and liked to stretch out a bit. One of our group had to drop out due to injury on the first rest day - he did his best to make sure her needs were taken care of, but mindful that he had a job to do keeping the rest of the group on track for the tour, and safe in the mountains.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not fit enough, are a smoker, do not do the complete tour. It’s just that simple. Check the average age group on the trip you are thinking of and consider if that’s the right group for your own fitness level. Some 60 plus year olds are fitter than a lot of 30 year olds, evident on the tour as we went around. Some aren’t, as was the case on our trip. Be honest with yourself and you will enjoy your holiday a lot more. There are shorter versions where highlights can be enjoyed, hotels and chalet options may suit those less disposed to sleeping under canvas for two weeks. Communal bathroom facilities are not to my taste, but that’s European camping and there are ways to cope - like getting up earlier to avoid the masses. The spa at Pre St Didier is fabulous for a lovely chance to get really clean! Boots, not shoes. Trekking poles are great for down hills, even just one for a bit of support. Good waterproofs and a set of thermals for cold nights. A decent sleeping bag and thermarest. Antiseptic wipes and alcohol gel an absolute must. Flip flops for showers. A change of shoes for evenings in camp.

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