Reviews

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

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53 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Karen M

Reviewed November 2015

Sicilian Volcanoes

Great combination of hiking, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on the islands and the Sicilian cuisine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Facing the strong, sulfurous wind on the edge of one of Etna´s craters, above the clouds, was a special experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Federica did an excellent job; she´s energetic and friendly, and very knowledgeable of the geology, fauna, flora, history and gastronomy of the islands, and gave some good tips on what to do in our free time (for example I got a detailed written description for a hike to the observatory on Lipari, and those of us who stayed an extra day in Catania got a map with a proposed walk along the sights of the town). Her resilience was tested when we couldn´t sail out to Stromboli because of stormy weather at sea and she had to arrange an alternative program for us that day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I read some reviews saying the hikes were much easier than they expected; I thought they were more than challenging enough, be it that these are not day-treks and only take a few hours up and down. Be prepared for quite a lot of free time on Lipari - Lipari town where we stayed is only so big; doing a hike on your own or a boat trip is recommended. Also remember things don´t always go as planned: force of nature did not allow us to go to Stromboli, which for most of us was supposed to be the highlight of the trip.

Anna Walton

Reviewed October 2015

Sicilian Volcanoes

Walking, Boating and enjoying the coastal Islands off Sicily.

Most Inspirational Moment

Skiing down the ash sands on the side of Etna. Watching the Lava eruptions at night on the top of Stromboli and yes we saw a Lava lake when the wind changed and the smoke drifted away. Lipari was a lovely relaxed island a far cry from the Chaos of the mainland

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great leader, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his country and surrounding area

Advice for Potential Travellers

Gaters worked really well with Ash descents. And don't be like me and forget the Mozzie repellant; it might be Sicily, but the little critters can bite

Suggestions

Great Trip, Great people, Great weather. A nice relaxing break away from the hectic office world

Celeste Hoppey-Broder

Reviewed September 2015

Sicilian Volcanoes

Incredible week in the Aeolian Islands of Sicily. Hiking was incredibly beautiful and quite challenging at times. The views were extraordinary. Each meal was better than the last. Trip was incredibly organized and well-planned. Sicilian wine is so delicious, and the pizza and eggplant was outstanding.

Most Inspirational Moment

I actually had several inspirational moments. When we gathered near the church in Stromboli before our climb began, I realized that I was about to embark on an amazing trek. Being on the summit of Stromboli under the beautiful stars, sitting on the edge of the crater and watching the volcanic eruption bursts was so surreal. I was so excited to be on that part of the earth! Climbing on the summit of Mt. Etna and seeing the lunar landscape was also extremely inspirational and very unique. Just realized another moment--being on the boat on the coast of Salina and seeing the incredibly landscape and imagining what Odysseus saw.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Federica Fassari is an amazing guide and a wonderful caring very enthusiastic person who represents Exodus extremely well. Of my three Exodus trips, Federica was my favorite guide. She was always there for us and stayed with us even on her day off. She was also extremely knowledgeable and a tremendous amount of fun. All of Federica's restaurant suggestions were outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

DO THIS TRIP!!!!

Louise Poirier

Reviewed June 2015

Sicilian Volcanoes

This trip is a “once in a lifetime” experience. You can see and feel the energy of the sea and the active volcanoes. Add the food and wine experience. It becomes the perfect combination of challenge and pleasure. Je n’oublierai jamais ce voyage qui m’a permis de voir des volcans en action tout en profitant de l’Italie a son meilleur.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waiting almost an hour, in the fog, on the top of the Stromboli. It finally, like a miracle, lifted in a few seconds so we were able to see the fire, the fumes, the volcano alive, in action. And then, after, walking and running back in the ashes with our head light on, an unusual experience that made me feel lucky to be one of the 80 persons allowed on the crater that evening. I have to admit, I fell in love with...the Stromboli and would have stayed longer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had a great athlete, Giusseppe (PEPE), who was able to adapt his pace to everyone, who knows everybody in each location and who could find us the best local guides for each trekking. He is Sicilian and loves his island. He accompanied us on our free day on Salina. He also was of great help in getting my luggage lost by the air flight company during 4 days. Et il parlait francais. Merci PÉPÉ!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The gathers, long or short are a must for the Stromboli and the Etna. And if you know how to ride a scooter, take the day on that island. The roads are hilly and winding but, the experience is worthwhile.

Suggestions

I always loved Italy. Now I love it even more and want to go back in the the South of Italy again.

Erzsi Molnar

Reviewed May 2015

Sicilian Volcanoes

I went specifically for the volcanoes to Sicily and I’m certainly not disappointed. It truly was an amazing trip. I recommend this trip to everyone!

Most Inspirational Moment

There is no guarantee that you will see a volcanic eruption, but we were very lucky. We saw the Etna erupting. Alessandro took us on an extra evening hike because he knew she was erupting. For me it was the best night of the entire trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Alessandro Vianni is a great guy. He was very enthusiastic about HIS islands. He knew and told us so much about the history, geology and of course his passion with volcanoes.

Suggestions

Go to it and love these beautiful islands!

Susan Jarvis

Reviewed May 2015

Sicilian volcanoes

Although the volcanoes are the focus of this trip, it also includes beautiful islands, great beaches and good food. The volcanoes are not predictable but whether they perform or not there is still lots to see.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight was seeing red lava flowing from Etna after Alessandro had led us on an extra evening hike because he knew she was erupting. We felt virtually alone on the mountain in contrast to the hundreds that had climbed Stomboli the day before.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alessandro shows his love of his islands and the volcanoes and his wish to share all this with the group. He went out of his way to give us the best experience and also to organise activities for the free time we had. His local knowledge of the area, the people and in particular the volcanoes made the trip run smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The volcanoes are very dusty/sandy so consider goggles or mask if you have any concerns about asthma or have sensitive eyes or need to wear contact lenses. Some are provided on Stromboli but may not fit very well. Gaiters are also very useful on the Stromboli evening hike.

Suggestions

The planned walks are quite short and tend to finish by early afternoon to avoid climbing in the heat. The extra excursions are more difficult as they are steep. Volcanoes are not controllable so you may be disappointed and excursions may have to be altered but Etna outperformed all our expectations.

Reviewed November 2014

Sicilian Volcanoes

Comprehensive schedule covering the Aoelian Islands and northern Sicily, including some good walks around the volcanoes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Two really: seeing Etna from the plane en route to Catania, and exploring Stromboli town and volcano slopes

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely enthusiastic, knowledgeable and good fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The core (non-optional) walks are on the whole on the easy side of moderate, in my view, in terms of duration and degree of difficulty. The optional walks (to upper slopes of Etna and Stromboli) would apparently have fallen more in to the moderate category.

Suggestions

A good trip all round giving interesting insights into the islands ... and always good to sample the dilapidated grandeur which Italy carries off so stylishly.

Richard Cooper

Reviewed October 2014

Sicilian volcanoes

A great group, guide, weather and location. An excellent itinerary with a mixture of contrasting activities and locations, from hiking and swimming on the peaceful Aeolian islands, to climbing the moonscape of Etna, whilst there is still free time to do other things.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Etna and walking around the main craters, listening to the distant rumbles from within. Also watching Stromboli erupt at night with lava rolling down to the sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chiara was excellent - she was knowledgeable, friendly, very good at organising the group and making sure that everything ran smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on the optional trip up Etna, it's well worth the expenditure. Stromboli is (as of early Oct 2014) more active so the top is closed - nor would you want to go there - the view from halfway up is excellent. If the weather is good and you like to swim, a boat trip onto and around Salina on the free day is recommended. Also I went to Siracuse for a day or so before the holiday started to see more of mainland Sicily - I enjoyed this and there's a good bus service from Catania airport (see Interbus web site). If you are wheat intolerant the holiday is doable, but I advise you to take some of your own snacks.

Suggestions

Book it!

Simon Dobbs

Reviewed October 2014

Sicilian Volcanoes

Could have been an excellent trip but without the volcano hikes its a quite easy walking holiday rather than the
experience we were looking forward to.
Stromboli crater walk is currently closed and the boat trip is OK but not a replacement for the fireworks. Unfortunately bad weather meant the walk to the top of Etna was also unavailable. The remaining walks are enjoyable but relatively short and untaxing (IMO)

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent The lack of volcano summit hikes were due to issues entirely out of her control and her enthusiasm for Sicily was unbridled throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check that the Stromboli hike is available (weather permitting) as it seems to be the potential highlight of the trip

Suggestions

I would suggest having a reserve day in the itinerary in case weather prevents volcano hiking

Reply from Exodus

We were very sorry to learn that due to adverse weather conditions Simon was unable to do the Stromboli crater walk and the walk to the top of Mt Etna. Whilst both of these walks are optional, we appreciate that this must have been disappointing. Stromboli and Etna are amongst the most active volcanos in the world, and since their activity can change at the last moment it is very hard to predict whether or not the walks will be open. We are aware that both volcanoes have been very active this summer, so the walks have been unavailable more often than usual. As a result, therefore, we have updated the trip notes for 2015 to explain that the summits may sometimes be closed and the optional treks not available. Marta Marinelli – Trip Manager

Richard Vilton

Reviewed October 2014

Sicilian Volcanoes

Very good trip…great location, impressive volcanoes, good group, friendly and helpful guide, amazing photos. Only complaint was not having enough time on Stomboli to fit in. trek and a boat trip (there are lava flows to the sea at the moment so the night time boat trip is a must). Would have rather had one less day on Lipari and one extra day on Stromboli

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking to the crater rim of Mt Etna

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly, helpful, knowledgable....very good.

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