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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14462 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Larry Meyers

Reviewed September 2017

An Amazing Trip From Start To Finish

I knew from the moment I arrived in Chamonix and saw the mountains and its glaciers that I had found the right adventure. Here was a chance to do one of the most acclaimed walks and the trip lived up to its billing. One can read about the walk and its vistas but nothing really prepares you for actually being part of it. I enjoyed the challenge of the walk, my fellow travelers and the quality of the lodging (OK, maybe not walking down the hall to the w/c in the middle of the night at our auberge stays–but a heck of a lot better than tenting). I enjoyed the evening meals and the variety of the cuisine. Overall the food was good and the huts offered a nice supplement to our sandwich lunch fare. The huts were a new experience and each one was unique from the food offered, to the hot chocolate to the w/c’s.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the clouds part to reveal a new mountain with its glaciers. Experiencing a cloudless day in Chamonix at the end of the trip. Cheering on over 2000 participants in the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) as they pass you on the trail after having run through the night only to later realize that the leaders completed in hours which took us days. To be part of a group lead by Jeff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have done dozens of trips that required a guide. I can only recall a few of their names. In my mind there will always be an association between the Tour du Mont Blanc and our guide Jeff. To quote a walker who did the trip with Jeff earlier this summer "..he was fantastic..professional, intelligent, engaging, fun, friendly, safety conscious and very caring towards his clients." It is not easy leading a group of 14 hikers with various skill levels and insuring they stay together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

First and foremost this is a group hike. You are part of a team whose goal is for all to complete the Tour and to enjoy their experience on the trail. Do not underestimate the need to do a good amount of walking before the trip. Focus on distance yes, an of course climbing. Include going down steep hills and plenty of steps. Insure your feet are in good shape. Figure out the right weight and sock combination before the trip. The trail conditions vary and it is important to have plenty of tread on your hiking boots. Things I found helpful: my own bar of soap; spare bootlaces; a travel clothesline for in room washing; lotions for the feet after the day's walk; good pair of sandals as your hiking boots are not allowed in the auberges and in some hotels and finally--earplugs. (Laundromats could be found near the Hotel Richemond in Chamonix and the Hotel Val Joly in St Gervais {Day 10 & 11}).

bill carney

Reviewed September 2017

Awesome Birthday Trip, Great Group, Terrific Guides!

We have taken cycling trips with a number of other outfitters, all of them memorable in their own special way. This was our first with Exodus and based on the fun/value of this week, we have already booked next year in Sicily!

We chose Sardinia because it had such an exotic cultural intrigue and diverse landscape. We were not disappointed in anything. Our group had instant cohesion which the guides picked up on quickly. Everyone was easy going and we spent all meals, except the free night, dining and socializing together.

Highlights of the trip were the stunning views, incredible terrain, some pretty tough climbs and the amazing food! We had so much fun eating, especially the included group dinners at the agro-tourismo and on the final night in Cagliari.

Our guides Enrico and Simone worked seamlessly together. As native Sardinians, we found their local knowledge to be one of the best aspects of the trip.

Thanks so much for an incredible birthday week!
Bill and Scott from Calif.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone provided warm and genuine birthday wishes on my special day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enrico was terrific with his local knowledge and dry sense of humor. Simone as sidekick took care of all the background logistics without any issues.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared that the hills on day two and three are going to be harder than you expect! But it's worth it. E-bike option might be worth it.

Cathy Weaver

Reviewed September 2017

Atlas panorama

Fantastic trip. Well organised from start to finish. Marrakech was a wonderful experience shared with a fun group. Our guide, Hassan made the walking in the mountains a pleasure with his knowledge and great sense of humour. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience a totally different landscape. Yalla!

Most Inspirational Moment

The stars in the evening were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An inspiration

Sue C

Reviewed September 2017

Discover Costa Rica

This was my first Exodus trip and it reminded me why I love to travel and how I have missed travelling.

It is a good trip to show you some of what Costa Rica has to offer and in comfort from travelling to accommodation, the daily drives are not to vast and are broken up with a visit here or there.

You go from travelling through mangroves to witnessing turtles nesting, to volcanoes, rain & cloud forests with a beach thrown in as well – with evening cicada and frog calls to being woken by the roar of a howler monkey with sights of sloths, untold colourful birds including the fabulous Quetzal, 4 species of monkeys and much, much more, what more could you really want?

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't single anything out, it was great simply being away from it all and in such amazing surroundings, there were many "wow" moments for me

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was fantastic, he certainly knows his stuff and is excellent at spotting wildlife from afar, thus ensuring that we saw all we could. The trip was v well planned and organised

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect rain, a sturdy poncho is wise although you may find it's simply easier and more fun to get wet and blend with the locals!

Chris Porter

Reviewed September 2017

Walking in Albania

We completed this walk in mid September so experienced good walking weather conditions, not too hot plus rain at night, how considerate. The trip was just as described in the detailed trip notes involving some stunning high mountain walking plus a range of terrific other non exertive cultural experiences. Phew. Instead of entering back into our rather luxurious new Mercedes coach on day one after a delicious lunch in Shkodër we crammed into this battered rough and tough old blue bus with no seatbelts and mis matched seats. This wonderfully set the scene for all that we were about to head on a trip into serious back country. Great fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Theth to Volbona via Volbona Pass was fantastic, stunning mountain vistas and you felt could almost touch Montenegro we were that high and close. A close second though was the Lake Komeni boat trip, deep gorges and wildlife close by on the shore, so near yet too far.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian was a great and personable tour leader deaing with the range of personalities in a large group with aplomb. He displayed considerable knowledge of his country and seemed to know practically everyone in Albania. A highlight was his sensitivity in frequent engagement with locals, who genuinely appeared to appreciate our group’s attention rather than rushing past.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness is quite important as it is not a stroll in municipal parks. Several of the walks were quite challenging, as to be expected with 1,000 metre ascents /descents, although the rewards were equally spectacular. Some people found sections of the Volbona Pass walk vertiginous, although with the group travelling at a slowish pace there was no sense of rushing to catch up.

Stuart Royce

Reviewed September 2017

All worth the hard work.

A father and daughter adventure of a life time. Never to be forgotten.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment/ moments, was from the guides encouragement throughout the climb and making you feel that you could accomplish anything.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mussa was excellent in every way, from start to finish.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not under estimate this climb. Be well prepared for a challenging week of hiking. A couple of weeks walking is not enough training even if you are a seasoned hiker. Give yourself at least 6-12months of training.You must be prepared to listen to the advice of your guides and don't think you know better. These are the guys who get you through it.

Max Sheridan

Reviewed September 2017

Superb Cycling in Sicily

This was my first trip with Exodus and I was looking forward to exploring the island. The whole holiday was first class from start to finish. Iris and Giuseppe looked after us throughout and we felt that they were friends not just guides by the end.

The group got on very well and although I was the youngest at 28 this was not an issue.

Food was superb throughout especially the picnic lunches and food at the agriturismo. Always lots to eat at breakfast and plenty of stops for coffee. Scenery is beautiful and is unspoiled compared to mainland Italy.

Bikes are great and well maintained I did not miss my own bike at all.

Overall an immersive experience with an excellent group. Just go ahead and book it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The descent into Syracuse was out of this world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Iris was exceptional she was available at all times for questions but also let us relax and enjoy the trip in our own way. Her restaurant tips were spot on and we enjoyed learning from her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave your own bike at home and make sure to pack a snack if you arrive late on the first day.

Alison MacDonald

Reviewed September 2017

Excellent tour in Heel of Italy (Matera to Lecce)- a photographers mecca

Emanuele was an excellent guide. He went above and beyond to create a truly memorable cycling trip for all the people on the tour. This trip is a photographers mecca, the towns we visited were so unique, beautiful scenery and visiting UNESCO world heritage sites. An excellent group of like minded people whose company we all enjoyed sharing a laugh over a beer at the end of the day.The roads we cycled were very beautiful, mostly very quiet and a couple of days were more challenging with the hills but quite manageable. The accommodations were truly memorable from Sassi to Trulli to a Convent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding the "Roller Coaster" and making it all the way up. A hot day, quiet road and when we turned the corner the Roller Coaster was waiting for us with Emanuele at the top to cheer us on and take our picture. Also the accommodations were very unique and they all looked after us very well.Loved staying in the Sassi and Trulli accommodations, that was amazing. Loved this group of people we rode with,chatted with and shared our stories over dinner and wine. The scenery was spectacular, from the lovely quiet Italian towns to breathtaking scenery along the coastline.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emanuele was wonderful and worked so very hard, very attentive and knowledgeable guide who was always more than willing to answer all our questions and paid great attention to all our safety.He was a very experienced cyclist who took us to some excellent foodie restaurants and shared his love of history and his involvement in reviving the old historical routes and turn them into cycling routes. He clearly briefed us on the night before, describing the route, using riders as waymarkers for the route and designating a rider to sweep at the back. The van was always behind us and Piero worked very hard to refill all our water bottles, prepare picnics in the parks for our lunch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a wonderful trip. Clearly a level 3 Moderate, all of it manageable. It would be a good idea to put the leaders cell phone into WhatsApp.Hills were a bit challenging especially on the hot couple of days but never more than we could manage and often short and sweet! The support van was always behind us with Piero filling our water and preparing our lunchtime picnics. There is only 1-2 seats in the van with limited room for extra bikes but it was never a problem. The group all rode together, Emanuele designated a rider to sweep at the back.We all had paniers. Only a couple of stops for swimming.

David Woodhams

Reviewed September 2017

Land of the Jaguar

Overall a relatively full on experience with very little ‘down’ time. An amazing abundance of wildlife especially birds. A trip that definitely lived up to expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day on the Paraguay River when we spotted a Female Jaguar and cub on a rock adjacent to the river on our return journey from the National Park.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tony was an excellent guide with very good knowledge of the birds and mammals and his spotting skills were amazing

Advice for Potential Travellers

As we were travelling in the dry season it did get very hot 40C + and somewhat dusty but worth it in every way.

Peter Keeney

Reviewed September 2017

A truly wonderful experience

Having read a couple of books, with regards to the Camino, and being keen walkers my wife and I thought it would be a great challenge and the opportunity to move away from the more traditional summer holiday. We didn’t know what to expect but can honestly say it was a fantastic experience.

Everything was extremely well organised, from the flights, transfer, our daily accommodation and meals where necessary. The daily distance wasn’t too bad as it is split between morning and afternoon with plenty additional stops on the route, if required. Our group of 16, travelled at different paces and that worked very well. We’d often meet up along the road and exchange different experiences of the day.
The overall route, is relatively easy, with only a few hills, here and there and three larger ones towards the end.

Accommodation, on the route was extremely good. It varied from a log cabin type to a room that had four double beds! Meals were very good and look out for the Pilgrims Menu – 10 euros and plenty of wine.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the most inspirational moment(s) has to be arriving into Santiago and the Pilgrims mass. It was a feeling of achievement, with a group of people we didn't know the previous week, but have now ended up as friends.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alfonso was an excellent leader. Extremely knowledgeable about the area, the history of the area and the history of the Camino. He was always on the lookout for us all, but not in an intrusive way. He organised a number of meals, for us (daytime/evening time) and everything went really smoothly. Couldn't have asked for a better leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Choose your footwear carefully. I walked mainly in boots and as most reviews say "they're often not required". Most of the Pilgrims walked in some form of light trainer/walking shoe. Take up the freetour in Santiago. It's very informative. You can make a contribution, at the end. We used Santiago DC. Just take it all in and enjoy.

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