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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14505 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Maurice Naftal

Reviewed July 2017

Mont Blanc Highlights

An overall wonderful experience with magnificent scenery and food for such a reasonably priced tour.
The walking was a bit harder than the moderate rating given to it
The accommodation although basic chalet style was adequate but was more than made up for by the charm and efficiency of our hosts, Sara and Rich.
The gourmet evening meals provided by Sara were consistently amazing.
I would highly recommend the tour based on Sara and Rich being your hosts at the chalet.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moments, and totally unexpected based on the tour price, were the variety, gourmet quality and deliciousness of the evening meals provided by Sara. She is an absolute star! I must also add that the amazing scenery ran a very close second. Every vista is a picture postcard.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought that our tour leader was probably the weakest part of the tour even though he was a very nice and friendly person and tried his best. He appeared inexperienced in the role even though he seemed to know the area we were walking in. His communication skills were lacking and us such did not convey the type of walks we would be doing each day very well. He seemed to keep changing his mind on various aspects of each walk. as they progressed. When I fell behind on the long downhill sections due to knee soreness he did not come back to see how I was progressing even though the group did wait for me further down.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even though it has a moderate rating I would suggest more training beforehand. Also, if someone has knee issues it would be best to avoid this trip due to the very long downhill sections of about 2.5 to 3 hours at the end of every day.

Roslyn Pyrke

Reviewed July 2017

Pleasure in Pulglia

Exceptional. This is the first time that we have used this company and we found the experience wonderful. The group size was perfect, great itinerary, activities better than expected, all enhanced by the enthusiastic group leader as well as the local guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

Matera is an exceptional place. The story behind the sassi with their troglodyte dwellings and the subsequent displacement of the inhabitants was fascinating. We were lucky also to experience the Festa della Bruna.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was fantastic. As an experienced small group traveler I have had many different leaders. I can say without doubt our leader was better than of all previous ones.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Puglia was hot. I would advise travelers planning to go there in July to be prepared for this possibility.

Darryl Pyrke

Reviewed July 2017

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy - ADE (20)

We had a wonderful week in a part of Italy that was new to us.

Most Inspirational Moment

We have done eleven previous group trips with companies like Intrepid and Explore and Marinella was way better than any previous leader. Whether it's through local knowledge or willingness to do lots of preparation I don't know, but we were inspired by the way Marinella was able to make places come alive when she introduced us to them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella was a wonderful leader - full of enthusiasm, patience, good humour and energy. Her goal was to ensure that every guest had the best possible time. She mixed easily and confidently with all guests and always helped out if there was a problem.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you find extreme heat difficult, travel before June.

Kathy Chellew

Reviewed July 2017

Stunning scenery and epic hills in extreme heat

This was our 5th cycling trip with Exodus and the most surprisingly fun. Despite an uncharacteristic heatwave in early July, which meant our first day took us up very challenging hills in 37 degree heat and forced some cyclists to abandon their bikes for the van, we all bonded as a group and had as much fun in the evenings as we did pedalling through the stunning scenery of Albania.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of achievement on reaching the summit of the final day's epic climb towards Vlore.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dhimo was delightful. Coped calmly with all the usual dramas of a cycling holiday despite his youth (26).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you're hill-fit as it's a very challenging trip, especially in the heat.

Dan Johns

Reviewed July 2017

Great walking in an area where there are few foreign visitors.

Puglia and Matera are areas that are not well known in Canada. We booked the trip based on the interesting walks amongst olive orchards and vineyards that were advertised. What we didn’t realize is all the history in the area. From the cave dwellings of the Sassi to the Trulli houses of Alberobello it is a different world. The hiking routes were quite quiet with few other walkers encountered. It was a nice break from some of the busier areas of Italy. The food and drink in the area is fantastic. Marinella took us to some amazing restaurants (and created fantastic picnics) that only a local would know. All in all it was a fantastic trip. My only regret was that it was only a week. We could have stayed longer.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the most inspirational moment was the first time you see the Sassi. You are walking through the new town of Matera and all of a sudden you look into this ravine which is filled with buildings stacked on top of each other in a seemingly haphazard way. You then find out that caves are behind these buildings and that people live in them. The flocks of swallows and kestrels flying at all times of the day made the scene all the more impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella was amazing. She knows the region and the people well. She (and Exodus) was very concerned about all of the walkers welfare since the temperatures were very high during the trip.She knew all the best places in town to eat and put together some fantastic picnic lunches. Her knowledge of the history of the region was also excellent. She went above and beyond by touring us on the free day around Lecce.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch the temperature. Our trip was mid-June and the temperatures were in the mid 30's. Any hotter and the hiking may not have been enjoyable. Otherwise, come with a good appetite and enjoy the region.

Mary Mellor

Reviewed July 2017

Discover the heel of Puglia

The holiday was most enjoyable and we were escorted by Marinella in a friendly and efficient way.
The hotels we stayed in were comfortable, and some uniquely interesting.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was very excited to see Alberobello, which I had long wanted to visit. And Matera was a great revelation - I knew nothing of its history, and found it fascinating

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marinella was friendly, energetic and charming, and full of interesting information. She found some lovely places for us to eat at. She was concerned for and interested in everyone in the partyExpect

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in July, leave your woollies well behind. It was EXTREMELY hot when we were there.

Marie Maciver

Reviewed July 2017

Carpathian Walking and Bears

A thoroughly enjoyable trip with good company and excellent guides – Tomas from Exodus, Janina and Catarina from Villa Hermani. Most days were walking – at variable heights and distances but one day was given over to history/culture of the area. A good balance.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the bears! There were 2 opportunities - an evening in the hide and a visit to the Sanctuary to see the 'rescued' animals. No- one could fail to be moved by the stories of these bears.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tomas was a very good guide. His knowledge of the area history and wildlife had obviously been well researched.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother taking much lei ( local currency) - Euros are acceptable in most places. Added to which, there isn't too much to actually buy. The extras at Villa Hermani are extremely reasonable. Make sure you take extra footwear - we got very wet one day and although there is a 'warm room' , boots will not necessarily dry overnight.

Melissa Goodwin

Reviewed July 2017

Stunning views. Fabulous food

We had a wonderful 5 days walking parts of the TMB with exodus. Our guide Mark was extremely experienced and knowledgeable. As a slower walker I found some aspects of the walks a little bit challenging but Mark was accommodating and encouraging as were other members of the group.
Back at the chalet our wonderful hosts Sarah and Rich made our stay most comfortable. Sarah is a brilliant chef and her 3 course dinners were up there with the best restaurants we’ve been to.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's just too hard to decide. The views are outstanding but the flowers were delightful too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Terrific. Knowledgeable and experienced (and amazingly fit).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some training (there us a recommended training guide) as better fitness will make your walk more enjoyable. And be prepared for some long up and down hills.

Wendy Fittock

Reviewed July 2017

Immerse yourself in Sicily!

Sicily is a fascinating treasure trove of history and beauty. This trip allows you to experience the Sicilian way of life using food as a lure to explore its villages, towns and landscape as you move from one side of the island to the other.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mixture of architecture which display Sicily's history through its Roman, Byzantine, Arab (etc, etc) periods, but now sit harmoniously together - is truly inspiring. Also, the endless mosaics at Piazza Armerina which taught me (both visually & by the enthusiastic local guide!), more about Roman way of life and their amazing feats, than any book or tv documentary ever did! I'm not usually enamoured by "old ruins", but the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a sight to behold! Mount Etna - I hadn't expected it's lush rich vegetation and then the contrast of the stark black ash landscape on areas affected by historic lava flow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Vincenzo was extremely knowledgeable and his passion for his home land was infectious. He hit the balance just right in telling us about wherever we were visiting that day, without feeling that you were ever getting "information overload". Always cheerful and polite ... the whole week's itinerary was run efficiently and (it would appear) effortlessly. Given we were changing hotels most nights (which had so far put me off doing this trip), we seemed to blend magically from one resort to the next in a very relaxed manner - ready for the next day's adventure! Also a "shout out" to Salvatore who drove our bus for the week - kind and courteous - who even stopped the bus en route in order to pick some fruits from the trees for our enjoyment!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip not only gives you a Food Adventure, it also gives you a taster of Sicily's many beautiful villages/towns. Though our visit was transient, there's a whole list of places I'd like to revisit .... Noto, Ortigia, Trapani ... where do I stop? There's art and courtyards hidden throughout the land - you need to keep a keen eye out, or you'll miss something!

Ben Wielgus

Reviewed July 2017

Fantastic scenery, great food and central base mean a relaxing trip with plenty of exercise

All of my previous Exodus trips have involved moving around every 1 or 2 days so this was a real treat to be able to unpack, relax and settle in. Coming back at night felt like coming home – the staff were so welcoming and there was plenty of food around…. we certainly needed it as the walking was strenuous but not overly challenging.

The biggest thing to be aware of is the mixed ability of the group which means we needed to be considerate of different speeds and abilities but this meant we got plenty of time to look around, enjoy the scenery and talk to each other.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Vesuvius and walking along the crater was an absolute highlight for us and brought a sense of adventure to an otherwise relaxed walking trip/

Thoughts on Group Leader

We loved our guide Satva. She's local and therefore deeply passionate about the history and food. Most of the guides we met were local and that added a huge amount to the experience. Loads of fun too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's worth doing the side trips whenever possible, even if your legs are a little achy. We chose to go to the ruins of Herculanum rather than Capri but it could even be possible to squeeze in both if you can fit the visit to Herculanum on your last day before your flight.

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