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.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Lorraine Martin

Reviewed June 2014

Amazing Trip

Amazing holiday from the Rainforest, Inca Trail and homestay – felt like three holidays in one!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca Trail - and in particular day 2. Reaching Dead Woman's Pass was the most difficult and rewarding thing that I've done to date. The sense of achievement and the views made the long, uphill trek worth it. The night skies for all the campsites were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was an excellent group leader leaving you with the impression that he really wanted to ensure that everyone had a great experience and he would try and accommodate most requests (he managed to get me a room at a local hotel while we were on the trail!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is quite a full-on trip with some particularly early starts. Others on the trip that I went on booked an extra night in Lima so that they could rest up before the trip starts proper - I'd recommend doing the same. While most of the group that I was with opted for additional nights camping at the end of the Inca Trail - I was very pleased that I opted for a night in a hotel - hot showers, comfy bed - felt well rested for the remainder of the trip. Its an extra cost but I would say go for it. You don't need to bring as much as you think - there are opportunities to do laundry in Cusco. Do think about the different areas you'll be going to and try to organise your bag with the right clothing as there is a fair bit of packing, unpacking and re-packing during the trip. If you want to do any souvenir shopping, there are two opportunities - free day in Cusco (start of trip) and homestay/island visit (end of trip). Try and not spend too much in Cusco as items on sale on the island are pretty good too! WALKING POLES - if you think you won't need them, you will (especially if you are shorter height wise like me!!)

Amanda

Reviewed June 2014

Fab week

A wonderful week in fabulous, varied scenery with walks that always exceeded expectations, with plenty of laughs with a great group of fellow walkers, made all the better by having great weather and an exceptional leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole of the twin summits of Mancondiu walk, a great scramble up a gully to the first peak, a knee trembling ridge walk to the second peak, and a bonus peak later in the day up to San Carlos at 2212m, where we had a amazing 360degree vista, including watching two vultures gliding beneath us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was a real star, very knowledgable and with a great love of the area. Nothing was too much trouble, this was a challenging week and Alvaro managed to guide us up some tricky routes in a manner that empowered all of us. He managed to engage on a personal level with everyone from day one. Probably the best group leader I've ever walked with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go, the first big reveal of the amazing scenery from the top of our first ridge just carried on getting better each day. Our experience was greatly enhanced by having a group where all the members were physically up to the challenging walks, some of the days were in excess of 9 hours, but the effort to get fit is so worth it.

Kat Burke

Reviewed June 2014

Beautiful........................................

I wasn’t sure what to expect of Romania, but was lured by the wildlife I might see. Romania exceeded my expectations in every way- the scenery, the wildlife, the food, the people.
The Transylvanian countryside is stunning- serene and peaceful, the rural areas were full of flower meadows and woodland. Cows and sheep grazed with shepherds and their dogs, birds sang as the people hand scythed the first hay harvest of the year. There were few cars on the road so the only ambient noise was the birds, the dogs, the cowbells and the church.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two- seeing brown bears in the forest and the sun setting red over the mountains to the rear of the guesthouse

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was very knowledgeable about the local area and the flora and fauna. He is also an excellent photographer and did show us some 'off the beaten track' sights we wouldn't have seen without him. Only (very small) minus that he does have a tendency to set a rather brisk pace at times- forgetting that some of us lowland Brit's are unused to mountain hikes!! :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

The 'moderate' activity guide in the brochure is fair- but it is not an easy moderate! The weather last week was warm (28-30ish) and some of the hills were very steep, both up and down! If unused to mountain walking (like me!) it'll be a good workout- this is not an easy, take-it-at-your-own-pace stroll. Take suncream and a hat if going in the summer. water bottle is essential I found I didn't need too much spending money- except for bear watch (40 euros) and one meal out (about 60 Lei - 15 euros) there were no 'hidden' extras. The only other expenses were drinks at the guesthouse, beer/wine was around 6 Lei (1.5 euros) and tea and coffee about 4 Lei (1 euro). There was shopping time available on one day in Brasov. The duty free at Bucharest airport doesn't take Lei, only euros. However, Lei is taken at the café places at the airport.

JASON POTTS

Reviewed June 2014

INCA TRAIL

Having never been away on my own before or done any trekking, I was a little anxious about what to expect, I am 43 an reasonably fit but was still a little worried, but after meeting the rest of our little gang I relaxed a lot as we were all about the same age and all looked in the same sort of physical fitness and from that moment the whole trip was incredible the organistion, our tour leader, food, porters (one of them was 71 yes 71) and people I was with were all exceptional, It turned into the best thing I have ever done and I loved every minute of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Its dificult to say the most insiprational moment, from getting to the start and crossing the river to reaching the sun gate there were so many, getting to the top of dead womans pass on day two (which is by far the hardest part of the trip) waking up on day four to be surrounded by snow top mountains and finally reaching the sun gate and seeing Machu Picchu all were pretty amazing but the most inspiration for me came from my fellow travellers we all got on so well from the very start, there was no split at all, for the whole trip we helped and encouraged each other, we ate, drank, laughed ( so much) and on more than one occasion shed a few tears together, we even had a little disco in our dinner tent one night with the music from the phones and the flashing lights from our head torches much to the bewliderment of the other trvellers on our campsite. The whole trip was an incredible, exhilarating and inspirational journey and I feel very very lucky not only to have done the Inca Trail but to have done it with 12 other fabulous people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar who we christened Top Cat and Anthiny (chicken legs) were absolutely first class, their sense of humour, patience and knowledge was amazing and the pride that they clearly have in not only the Inca Trail but also Cusco and the country itself was evident for all of us to see and really enhanced the whole experience. In my opinion they are a credit to Peru and its fantastic culture and Exodus are very lucky to have them both. Also a special mention for Paloma who met us a Lima airport, took us to our hotel and then went out of her way to give us a little tour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Follow the trip notes, DO take at least one walking pole they really help espescially going down hill. buy a poncho (£2) and buy a scarf, there are people selling them just before you start for 8 soles (£2) it will keep the sun of your neck. Bond with your fellow travellers help and encourage each other all the way, don't rush take your time( there were other groups who seemed to think it was a race, surely not the idea) if you feel tired turn around take in the amazing scenery it will inspire you to carry on And most importantly try the pisco sours they are lovely, but dont have more than two or maybe three, or you may end up like one of our group who tried playing musical chairs......... on her own......... with one chair....... and still lost.

Jae Bond

Reviewed June 2014

Uzbekistan - amazing

Uzbekistan is a fascinating country – this amazing trip highlighted how little I knew about the region and how much more I now what to know…

Most Inspirational Moment

Early morning sun light on the tiles at Samarkand, Silk Road vodka at the amazing Hotel Uzbekistan, driving through the deserts, the internal flight across the desert, the variety of tiles and patterns especially in the understated Summer Palace... And the shopping!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod was a fantastic leader, knowledgeable and funny, he took good care of us all and taught me lots about this history of this constantly changing country. It was a very good group of people and this helped make the holiday - that and the vodka!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a bit wary of the standard of the hotels and traveling conditions when reading the website and trip notes, but I think the notes are over cautious. The hotels were all good, all clean and the staff lovely and very helpful even when faced with a scorpion. The one thing that was difficult, though mentioned in the trip note, is the lack of concept of vegetarian food, unless you love stewed cabbage and cabbage soup, however it is easy to buy nuts and dried fruit so don't bother taking supplies of those, and eggs were available at most breakfasts, but I did end up quite hungry by the end

Lynda Pritchard

Reviewed June 2014

Croatia mountains and islands

Just got back from a great walking holiday. First time for us, we did under estimate the level of walking, and thought it was quite tough However I wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip, we had a fantastic time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top. It was always a challenge, I'm so glad I did it, Croatia is a beautiful country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Out leader was delightful, nothing was too much trouble,, he was patient, kind and very knowledgeable. You have a gem there. Thank you Zeljko

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pathways are very rugged and not well defined. Take it slowly and be prepared for steep climbs and descents.

Kate Charles

Reviewed June 2014

Inspiring Inca Trail

An amazing, action packed holiday. The trip to the Amazon, where we saw monkeys, sloths, caiman and many bird and insect species and a tarantula (the latter a bit too close to our accommodation for our liking!) was really good, but the highlight has to be the Inca Trail for absolutely spectacular views and the sense of achievement.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Inca Trail. There are some breath-taking views (not to mention altitudes!), which are simply stunning. The second day is the toughest, with 1200m of ascent and 600m of descent from a base of 3000m above sea level. The third day of the trek was my favourite - has the best scenery and the campsite was perfectly placed to watch sunset, stars and sun-rise (cloud permitting).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo, our group leader was excellent. He was really supportive and took care of us brilliantly. He gave us lots of information and insight into local culture. He also managed to organise around unexpected events and ensured that everyone completed the trail - showing real concern, when a couple of our group were struggling or ill.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a fairly full-on trip, from the moment you arrive in Lima. Consider booking an airport lounge at Madrid for the 3h stoppover - there is very little at the terminal (Starbucks and Burger King only) and most of it was closed. Also consider booking an extra nights accommodation in Lima for the start of the trip - you'll arrive early morning and check-in isn't until early afternoon, so after a 20h+ travelling, you might appreciate the shower/nap! Pack as light as you can. There are opportunities to do laundry (via the hotel in Cusco) after the rain forest and after the Inca Trail, so 6-7 days worth of clothes is probably enough. Take plenty of layers and don't worry too much about taking snacks from home, as you are given snacks on the trail and can buy them before the trek in a supermarket near the hotel in Cusco. Do bring US dollars to exchange, but if you have a good bank card, you can also withdraw cash from ATMs in the cities. About $500 is probably enough per person, depending on how many souvenirs you buy! Leave some shopping until the final days on Amantani Island, where you can buy crafts (mainly knits) made by the family you stay with, and which are probably more genuine that the tat in Cusco market! Walk at your own pace on the trek and you'll be fine. The 2nd day is tough, but any one with the right attitude and reasonable fitness would make it. Do take well-worn in walking boots/shoes and walking poles are a great help (there are opportunities to buy extra kit in Cusco and before the trail).

Chloe Knott

Reviewed June 2014

Trip of a lifetime!

Just back from this trip – it felt like 3 holidays in one! The amazon was a truly amazing experience from fishing for pirannas to eating live termites it was an experience not to forget. The Inca Trail surpassed my expectations and Lake Titicaca was fascinating.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving for sunset at Machu Picchu. All of us were in awe about what a special place it was. Also it was brilliant to arrive in the evening as it was nearly empty so we had it to ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo was brilliant - he was organised, friendly and had a great sense of humour. He really made the trip and managed to show us what a great destination Peru is.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This really is a bucket list trip. If you are undecided about whether it is worth doing the amazon bit I would say a big YES. I don't like spiders and didn't even think i was that interested in wildlife - this trip changed my perceptions and the amazon was fantastic.

Jackey Phillips

Reviewed June 2014

Amazing Amalfi

An excellent trip, made better by the leader and group, who all gelled exceptionally well. Beautiful scenery, but be prepared for sore calf muscles after the 2000 steps down into Amalfi and more on other days.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day on Capri was magical, despite getting ripped off big time by the "Blue Grotto" experience. A lovely place to visit on the day off. The Walk of The Gods was amazing luckily the foliage covered the sheer drops down from the cliff edge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was a great leader. She was enthusiastic, energetic,knowledgeable, helpful, considerate and always positive. She shared her love of the local people with us and took us to several local establishments to sample local products. One of the best leaders I've ever had with Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take 2 walking poles for the many steps down. I took just one and was grateful to borrow another one. Don't go to the Blue Grotto on Capri. You have to pay once to get to the cave, then again to get in 26.50 Euros in total! The chairlift up to Anacapri was wonderful.

Abby Willcox

Reviewed June 2014

Amazing trip

This was one of the best holidays I have ever been on. So well organised and a lovely group of people as well as getting to experience the wonders of Morocco. It was a fantastic and varied country with very friendly people.

Most Inspirational Moment

No one moment in particular, I enjoyed every part of this trip but completing the (optional) 20 mile hike on the last day of trekking was pretty amazing and felt like such an accomplishment. I'm so glad that the whole group of 13 were up for doing the long trek. The Atlas mountains in March were so green and the terrain so varied that the mountains looked different across the course of any trek we went on, which was unexpected. The stars at night are also fantastic. Having lunch freshly cooked for us in the middle of the mountains was an unexpected treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was a lovely, kind leader. He was quite a quiet man but with a great sense of humour. He was also able to keep our group of 13 in order without being overly bossy, so as the whole trip ran smoothly without anyone taking ages to get ready and holding the group up.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go on this trip! Don't find excuses not to for ages like I did. The description for this trip does not do it justice, the gite is not nearly so basic as described and was in fact a lovely place to stay with a beautiful sun terrace where we sat and had mint tea and biscuits after each trek. In March it gets quite chilly in the evening so take plenty of warm jumpers but I was far too hot sleeping in my 3 season sleeping bag. You do not need to take pillows as the gite has loads of them as well as lots of thick blankets. The villagers are very friendly and will respond happily if you say 'bonjour' to them.

Prev 1 … 1,058 1,059 1,060 1,061 1,062 … 1,445 Next