Reviews

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

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14423 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed July 2013

WALKING IN ALBANIA

A fabulous holiday – superb landscape, wonderful ancient history, inspiring modern history, extremely hospitable people, we were treated like guests not tourists and the walking was good too!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking - completing the first days walk, much tougher than I had expected. On the second day I hitched a lift on the luggage mule and although it was unorthodox I amazed myself by not falling off. On all walks there were amazing views of unspoilt landscapeFood for thought - the lonely cemetery in a Kosovan field, 400 graves , all male, all killed on the same day. A sombre thought provoking moment in a week of fun and laughter.History - the Apollonia site with explanation by the archaeologist in charge - erudite and easy to listen to.Folklore - seeing real people performing with pride just for Exodus, an initiative to increase the local prosperity and pride.Discovery - being a pioneer, not only of this trip but in terms of visiting a country still largely unknown to the EnglishResult - coming home to find 2 inches off my waist and 6lbs gone despite the generous meals!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Dorien. He was superb - full of knowledge about the history of his country and its present position. His own experiences of growing up under communism and adapting to the present made the history real. As this was the first Walking in Albania trip there were a few wrinkles, including the difficulty of one of the walks and the unfortunate sickness of one of our drivers but Dorien coped admirably with all difficulties. He was unfailingly cheerful and has a vast expertise in getting things done in Albania. Dorien and other members of his company worked tirelessly to ensure the holiday was the success that it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Personally I found the walking difficult - more difficult than Trins for example. The paths are consistently steep and rocky and poles are essential. In the mountain accommodation a torch is useful as electricity might fail. The road travel is slow because of the state of minor roads, but this gives ample time to admire the scenery or listen to the group leader.Fresh spring water is available everywhere and the food is good - very substantial in the mountains based on meat and dairy and lighter in the centre and south. In Berat try the local Chardonnay - wonderful

Reviewed July 2013

PRAGUE TO BUDAPEST RIDE

In comparison to other cycle trips of similar daily distances there was too much rushing with no time to take photos or enjoy the scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling between two capital cities in one day: slightly blighted by the planned 70km day turning into a 100km hack on busy main roads due to having to backtrack to Vienna to avoid a flooded cycle track.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna was lovely and very helpful to me when it came to odering the correct food for my dietary restrictions. Her inexperience organising a cycle trip did frustrate and annoy others. There was no safety briefing; we were often dangerously bunched up in groups on busy main roads. There were no plans or intention to supply water given we started the trip during a heatwave which is basic negligance - on our insistence the bus driver agreed to carry and sell bottled water to us. Twice I was concerned and upset to be left behind with no map and no directions - Anna couldn't be contacted to ask her to wait as her phone was switched off. She had no way of organising fast and slow cyclists. On other trips faster cyclists are usually sent ahead to wait at a designated point whilst the guide remains with the slower cyclist to ensure they know the route. Each day's cycling felt like a race to get to the night's destination - I did not dare to stop to take photos for fear of being lost a long way behind. We had to constantly remind her of the need to organise an occassional break - after all we were on holiday not a cycling boot camp. Anna appeared not to receive any back-up from the company she was sub-contracted from. She was clearly untrained and often got lost. She also should have been informed in advance of road closeures folllowing the Danube floods.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take ear plugs for the noisy hotels, bug repellant for the mosquitoes and keep your fingers crossed that your guide is better trained. Be vigilant of the busy roads in Hungary as they are very potholed and the motorists are intolerant and unforgiving to cyclists. The hotels were very clean, though at times very basic (my matress at the Grand Hotel Cerny Orel comprised of seats cushions squashed together - very uncomfortable). Food, beer and wine was very good and pleasingly inexpensive in the Czech Republic and generally a very good standard in all four countries.

Reply from Exodus

We were very sorry to receive this poor review. We analyse all reviews to ensure we take appropriate action where needed.

We have spoken to our local operator and leader to address the issues raised by Alison, but would like to make the following additional comments:

Due to the impact of heavy rain and flooding some last minute road closures were in force during this trip which affected the cycling itinerary. These have since been lifted and the regular itinerary is designed to be manageable at a reasonable pace with enough stops for relaxation and photographs. We are confident that this is generally the case.

It is a requirement that all Exodus cycling leaders provide a full safety briefing at the start of each trip, we are very sorry if this did not happen. Anna is an experienced leader, having led this trip as well as many others throughout Europe during her career, and overall we remain confident in her leadership.

While we accept Alison’s disappointment in these circumstances we are confident that this trip is worthy of its average star rating of over 4 stars.

Reviewed July 2013

DISCOVER NAMIBIA

A superb trip covering nearly all the places you could possibly want to visit in one trip to Namibia. The Namibians were really friendly and cheerful and the guiding of the tour and group was excellent, made it even better. The scenery, landscape and animals were brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

There wasn't just one inspirational moment but the following few are some highlights. Seeing the lion walking down the road on a night game trip and the magical waterhole at Okaukuejo where the animals came to drink of an evening. We were incredibly lucky to see the leopard on another game drive out in the open on our last game drive and it made the trip end on a high note. The climb to the plateau at Waterberg was enjoyable but can be hard work for some. The dunes just made you appreciate the scale and grandeur of Namibia and the interesting geology of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roger was brilliant with the group telling us so much about his country which he was evidently proud of. He told us so much about the landscape, geology, animals, culture and politics of his country. He was also very humorous, interesting to listen and talk to, enthusiastic and looked after us incredibly well. He and the rest of his team (Thomas, Ronnie, Freddie) worked very hard, the cooking was really good and organisation of the tour superb. The next group will be lucky to get the same team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It did get really cold in June so though it says take a season 3 or 4 sleeping bag in July and August if you go in June take the same. Also thermals, hat and gloves as particularly Etosha was very cold during the night, early morning.It does also get very dusty and sandy so advise to take most of your clothes suitable for safaris such as cut off trousers, shorts and shirts rather than anything dressy.

Reviewed July 2013

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

This trip was a fantastic introduction to both Bosnia & Herzegovina and to Exodus as a travel company. The walking was fabulous – beautiful mountains, forests and flower-filled meadows. It was also an amazing cultural experience – village life in Lukmir, east meets west blend and the evidence of recent conflicts. Great organisation and a tour leader (Samer) and guide (Srdjan) who were helpful and truly passionate about their country made it an experience I will treasure.

Most Inspirational Moment

There's a few highlights - perhaps the best was the Day 4 walk to Maglic peak. Something that I couldn't have completed without a guide. Fabulous views at all stages on the way up and the way back down!Also eating Bosnian pie cooked by one of the villagers in Lukomir - mmm lovely!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is a great ambassador for both his country and Exodus. A fountain of knowledge on Bosnia's geography, history and culture - his commentary gave added richness to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take insect repellant - mosquitoes were abundant in the national park and walking poles are a must on the Maglic walk.

Reviewed July 2013

THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY

This was my twentieth visit to Southern Africa and one of the best ever. Seeing a remote part of the continent from a canoe on the Zambezi gives a unique perspective of the continent and a chance to view game with minimal disturbance to the animals.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up every morning, watching the sun rise and anticipating what the day would bring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

TK lived up to the reputation he's gained through other reviews. He was fantastic, ably assisted by his No 2, Best.He's knowledgeable, safety conscious and a man who binds a party together with good humour and a firm hand. Don't mess with him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the earlier reviews of this trip for useful tips. The paddling uses muscles you didn't know you had and I was glad I had paid a few visits to the gym beforehand. You do need to be fairly fit.

Reviewed July 2013

CROATIA: ISLANDS & MOUNTAINS

A fantastic trip with stunning scenery, amazing walks, and beautiful towns. Quite full on with the walking times not leaving loads of time to relax, but fabulous nonetheless. A really noce country.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first mountain top with amazing views after a hot walk up (it was unusally hot even for June). The waterfalls at Krak NP. The beatiful ilsand of Brac. Dubrovnik and Split were lovely with a really noce ambience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He couldn't do enough to help, went out of his way to take on board any questions or comments and help everyone, and was fantastic at developing a pace and rhythm of walking and breaks which suited everyone and made sure we could all complete the walks enjoyably.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Maybe we were a slower thas usual group and maybe the very hot weather was a factor in that, but we had very little timw left for the promised relaxation. The walks are fantastic, but not strolls on open countryside - they are proper mountain walks as the title and trip note walk details suggest!

Reviewed July 2013

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

This trip is a great mix of walking and sightseeing, just enough of each for me to totally fall for the beautiful Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most Inspirational Moment

The wild flower meadows in the Sutjeska National Park were my favourite thing, there aren't many places left like this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samer is such a nice man and a great group leader. He knows the area inside out so was able to take us on fabulously scenic walks but was also able to give us lots of interesting information about the history of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bosnia is not the most popular holiday destination but it could be before long! Get yourself there before it gets too busy, it really is totally stunning and it isn't packed with tourists.

Reviewed July 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This was my first Exodus trip & I was a little anxious about the steepness of the climbs,(as I am a bit over the hill) but our guide Ian was very encouraging, & a gentle pace kept us all chatting & enjoying the scenery. It was a magnificent walk & I am so glad I did it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the beautiful Mont Blanc Massif & looking down on the villages where we had started. I felt it was quite an achievement.The abundance of colourful wildflowers in the pastures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Ian was extremely professional, mapping the plans for each day then reviewing at night. He shared his love & knowledge of the Mts.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My husband & I are so pleased we chose to do this trip. Chaminox is a delightful village with good shopping & Chalet Chocolat was comfortable with extremely hospitable hosts, John & Jane. Their meals were varied & excellent.

Reviewed July 2013

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TREK

Superb holiday largely due to the hard work and care from the guide Jose.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arrival in the Cathedral at Santiago was very moving, particularly the pilgrims service after the reflection of 8 days walking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, would have been hard to beat

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go if you get the chance but read the pilgrimage book by paulo coelho before you travel

Reviewed July 2013

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TREK

A lovely week’s walking in the very green scenery of Northern Spain. There was a different feeling about this trip as you know you are following in the footsteps of the thousands of people that have walked that route as a pilgrimage since medieval times.

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment when you are standing in front of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostella at the end of the walk. Also presenting your Pilgrim's passport complete with all it's stamps to get your certificate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was a brilliant leader who was always cheerful and made sure that every member of the group was happy and comfortable. He dealt with any situation efficiently and speedily.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Anyone going on this trip should ensure that they have very comfortable walking boots as some of the days are quite long. Also take some warm clothing as it was chillier than expected when I went (May). Keep an open mind about eating Octopus - it may be better than you think!

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