Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling through the mountains. Gorgeous views
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very personable. Always responsive. A ready smile and a good sense of humour
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Cycle the Balkans
Amazing scenery. Attentive and responsive guide and driver who worked proffessionally and efficiently together to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment for all of us.
Highlights of Albania
We had the best guide and driver and our group all got on very well in what was an amazing visit to an unknown country for most of us
Most Inspirational Moment
Meeting local people, seeing our traditional lunch being made and being hosted one night for the best dinner, overlooking the hills, plus a visit to an old house with the owner sharing its beauty with us, as well as Raki and interesting snacks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Genti was a fantastic leader and I couldn't imagine a better one. He was so helpful, so knowledgeable as well as being entertaining and fun to be with.
Walking North Croatia's Islands & Lakes
Our guide, Jasmina, was first class. The bus and driver were good, as were the hotels and tour choices.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Lakes National Park at Plitvice
Thoughts on Group Leader
She was wonderful and so genuine.
Budapest to Istanbul Adventure
Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria were countries we had always wanted to visit and this trip not only took us to the amazing capitals but introduced to the other areas of these three countries making a fascinating and varied trip. As ever our guide Barni was excellent in all aspects of being a tour leader giving us lots of suggestions as to what to see or visit in our spare time even taking us on a 6:30am tour of Brasnov so we could see the town at its best.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many - the riverfront of the Danube in Budapest with its magnificent Parliament building, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Great Synagogue, the Matthias church and the very poignant Shoes on the Danube memorial - the wooden houses and churches in Maramures - especially the merry cemetery! The small Saxon villages in Transylvania, the beautiful Romanian countryside with its mountains and rolling hills, the vibe of Bucharest, the local guide in Bucharest - amazing stories - the concert we attended in the Romanian Athenaeum Bucharest ,! Sofia’s churches especially the iconic Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the wonderful views of nighttime Istanbul we had from our restaurant chosen by Barni - there are lots more as every day there was something new and different to see.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Barni was amazing from the outset - we all met on the first night had time to introduce ourselves etc and then went on to eat in a fabulous local restaurant so our introduction to the trip was just perfect. His English was brilliant and his anticipation as to the needs of the group were second to none - he quietly organised us so we didn’t feel rushed or pressured. His choices of restaurants particularly in Istanbul were perfect as well. He made lots of suggestions for our free time ,alongside giving us the possible costs of entry as well as directions - he know all three countries well and everyone seemed to know him! We had very good local guides all spoke excellent English and were entertaining as well as informative. Barni also was incredibly stylish dressing in traditional style but with an overall contemporary look - we were all very impressed by his beautifully embroidered shirts. Above all Barni was very sensitive to the needs of particular group members ,being available throughout the trip for them which we believe enabled them to get as much out of the trip as everyone else - he was an absolute star Thanks Barni
Advice for Potential Travellers
We have been on over 30 trips with Exodus and we have never been disappointed- every trip brings a new and exciting adventure with a packed itinerary excellent guides and lots of wonderful memories
Sun, sea, sand, gardens and woodlands - a wonderful walking holiday in the Algarve
This was a wonderful late April holiday in Portugal, my first with Exodus. The itinerary and accommodation were first class. Everything was so well organised and very diverse, the walking covering beautiful countryside and woodland as well as stunning coastal paths. As it was Springtime everything seemed to be in full bloom which was an added delight. As a group of eight coming together for the first time we gelled well together and enjoyed some wonderful walks, meals and activities together. The friendly, gracious and careful way in which our group leader Inês managed the tour was admirable. The additional activities and learning about flora, fauna, and Portuguese customs were perfect additions to the holiday. The bread baking, olives, ceramics, wine and an artisan olive oil producer provided a holistic and rounded experience of the Algarve for us all.
Most Inspirational Moment
The first wonderfully spectacular views of the sea and coastline from the rugged coastal paths
Thoughts on Group Leader
Inês was a friendly, kind and thoughtful leader, passionate about the Algarve. She was very well-organized, hard-working and kept everything running smoothly. She was positive, careful, flexible and very patient and adapted to our various strengths and weaknesses. None of us were aware, until she advised us at the end of the week, that this was her first time working solo with a group. We would not have known! Nothing seemed to be too much for Inês, including accompanying me to the pharmacy when I needed this. I’m very grateful indeed that she was our guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather was ideal for walking, mostly not too hot and only a brush with rain. Shoes or boots with a good grip are necessary for some parts of the coastal and other paths. Also walking poles might be a good addition too. As others have said (and I should have listened!) leave some space in your luggage for wine, pottery, olive oil and gifts.
Thoroughly recommended
This was an excellent and varied trip which gave a real sense of Peru’s culture and history, and of its sheer scale. I take a lot of photographs, and what struck me most throughout was the feeling of space. The landscapes are immense and it’s one of those places you really have to visit to properly comprehend.
The itinerary really is full on, and it can feel demanding at times, but I came away feeling I had seen a great deal of the country rather than simply ticking off a few famous sites. We were fortunate with the weather throughout the trip, particularly in the mountains where visibility and light were often exceptional.
Food was generally good, though naturally variable over such a long trip. Traditional Andean food is hearty and quite rustic in character, but Peru also has international influences, particularly Italian, and some of the pasta dishes were unexpectedly very good and seemed to be freshly made.
Most Inspirational Moment
At the start of the trip, we were all asked why Peru, and what we most wanted to see. Most said Machu Picchu. It is obviously a highlight, but the biggest surprise for me was actually Nazca. I’ve read about the place, seen photographs and documentaries, but nothing prepares you for the scale and strangeness of the landscape, particularly at altitude. Whilst some of the journeys are daunting, I found travelling through the high Andes to be an absolute highlight. Some of the most memorable moments were not necessarily the famous landmarks; the roadside stops and viewpoints were often extraordinary.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader, Luis, was excellent throughout the trip: organised, knowledgeable, calm and consistently good company. He kept the trip running smoothly while still making it feel relaxed and enjoyable, and he handled the practicalities of altitude, transport, timings, and accommodation well. I think Luis struck a good balance between providing information and allowing people to experience places in their own way. I always felt the group was well looked after and that everything was under control without it ever feeling over-managed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
One thing worth planning carefully is laundry. I’ve been on trips with Exodus where every hotel offers laundry services; on this trip, there was only one opportunity to wash clothes properly, and even hotel room washing/drying opportunities are limited. You are likely to experience a wide range of temperatures and conditions, so don't forget a light waterproof and jumper. The sun can be deceptively strong at altitude, so consider sunscreen and a hat. The highest altitude we experienced was nearly 5,000 metres above sea level, so mild exertion leave you short of breath, but nobody on my trip was badly affected. Nevertheless, altitude is taken seriously, so your blood oxygen levels will be measured as a matter of routine. Whilst most make do with a smartphone, a good camera is worthwhile if you enjoy photography, particularly for landscapes and wildlife. I should also mention the homestay on Amantani Island, which proved to be one of the more memorable parts of the trip. Facilities really are limited, so don't expect washing facilities or wifi, but the kindness and hospitality was infectious, and I came away with a recipe for a kind of fried flatbread called toctochi, which you simply have to try. I had been a little apprehensive about this bit of the trip, but ended up enjoying it far more than I expected.
Walk the Prosecco Hills & Hidden Venice
Good balance between the number of walking days and opportunities spent visiting a couple of local cities.
Most Inspirational Moment
Waling through the Prosecco vineyards and local scenery, plus getting to sample some very good Prosecco wines. Visiting the fascinating and very different cities of Venice and Padua.
Thoughts on Group Leader
One of the best guides we've had on our many trips with Exodus. He looked after and supported all the different abilities within the walking good very well.
Beautifully bonkers - an unexpectedly immersive experience
An unforgettable, tiring, enjoyable experience. Wouldn’t have missed it, but was glad to say goodbye to that coach we travelled in most days.
Would highly recommend being in Mexico for the Day of the Dead festival. Oaxaca was a great place to enjoy it – a beautiful city where we were welcomed and felt part of the celebrations. Our guide really helped us understand the history, culture and story of Mexico, from the outset in Mexico City, then led us through it over the following 16 days. I thought that the numerous visits to classical sites would be too much, but every one was different and visits were interspersed with meeting local families, learning to cook local dishes, experiencing local traditions, like following wedding parties, exploring fabulous old cities, enjoying scenery, rivers and mountains. A complete journey through what Mexico offers.
Most Inspirational Moment
Undoubtedly the evening visit to the cemetery where we joined with families, dressed graves, enjoyed the brass band and dancing, drank cocktails, ate street food and learned about the Mexican tradition of celebrating the lives of their lost family members. Just an amazing experience and a lesson about how loss and respect can include enjoyment and welcome in others to be part of it. The various pyramids and classical sites we visited were amazing. Mont Alban was probably my favourite as it was less touristy. The optional river trip to the Roberto Barrios waterfalls was well worth doing too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was the very best! Luis is a gentleman, a very well educated man and incredibly thoughtful guide who wanted us all to get the most from our experience. As a doctor, he clearly leads these trips to share his love and knowledge of Mexico’s history. He threw everything into our trip, from a 3.30am start to get marigolds for us all to take to the cemetery, to booking us into professional make up artists so we could fully engage in the Dis de Muertos festival. He never missed an opportunity to add new experiences as they arose, such as following a wedding celebration and did it all with a smile and wonderful manner. He was supported by a fantastic coach driver, whose name sadly I can’t remember, but we felt completely safe with him despite some extremely long days and he was always friendly and helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for very long days, limited downtime and long coach journeys. They were tiring and at times a touch frustrating, but were necessary to travel the distances we did, and to have the wide range of experiences we enjoyed. If you are able to read or fill in your time on long journeys with other activities, it helps. The weather in late October - mid November was lovely - so normal summer clothing was fine - ignore the advice about women not wearing shorts. Many did and we ensured it was not a problem before doing so. Most of all - throw yourself into the whole Dia de Meurtos experience. I had read that local people don’t like tourists to engage in facial make up and fully joining in the celebrations. Our guide was shocked by this and encouraged us to join with him in all aspects. So pleased we did. We had lovely responses from many local people too.
Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan
The entire holiday exceeded my expectations. The sites and sights we saw, good standard of hotels, excellent guide Noha, small group.
Most Inspirational Moment
New Cairo museum Meal and travelling on the Felluca.
Thoughts on Group Leader
An extremely competent, knowledgeable, friendly person. Very eager to impart her love of her country to us.
Carpathian Walking & Bears
The trip was beyond all of my expectations. The guide was superb, the villa we stayed in was cozy and beautiful, the hikes were gorgeous, the food was delicious, and everything ran like a well-oiled machine. I highly recommend this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiking, seeing the bears in the wild, and visiting the bear sanctuary.
Thoughts on Group Leader
"Sebi" was simply excellent. He could answer any questions about the history of the places we visited. He was extremely attentive and made sure the slower hikers were OK. He set a good pace for everyone, and when some of the hikers needed to stop and go back to the villa, he arranged that. Above all, he was friendly and had a great sense of humor. We couldn't have asked for a better guide!