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

Anne Barker

Reviewed October 2015

China - Walking the Great wall plus Xian extension

The trip was well organised and was as described in trip notes. Any changes to itinerary were made by the group leader and as for example our early visit to Tiananmen Square and the forbidden Palace were excellent choices because of the timing of the trip and National Day!!! The accommodation was generally as described in the trip notes but home stay was quite basic and cold!!! The Qing Feng Hotel was very basic and the food not up to the standard of other accommodation. One of our best lunches was at the farm on day 5. The extension to Xian was well organised but again extremely busy which made it very difficult to feel the full impact of the site. The over night train journey fine but quite and experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the wall are stunning particularly those parts which are not developed and staying in the local villages gives a great insight into life in China. The visit to the Terracotta warriors was amazing but as above it was not possible to appreciate this fully because of the crowds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was fantastic - his leadership skills and knowledge of his country were exceptional! He made it a very special trip! He made changes to the itinerary as necessary including our trip to the Olympic Park.Our leader in Xian was fine but not in the same league as Kevin! He kept the group together well when walking and had a good pace for group walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you don't like steps - not the trip for you! Some parts of the wall are quite steep and scrambling is involved. You also need to remember that there can be quite steep climbs up on to the wall. Practise using chop sticks before you go!!! The food is good but very little meat BUT some excellent fresh vegetables!!!

Lindsay Challoner

Reviewed October 2015

Madagascar Discovery

A great trip. Be prepared for long, hot travelling days yet the rewards at the end are worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Conquering the Grands Tsingy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Looked after the group very well. Kept us informed during the trip and worked hard (and successfully) to source alternatives when our Itinerary changed. Even helped to check in online for the flight home for those of us who didn't have the technology to do so!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the long coach journeys and the heat. We travelled during Madagascar's spring and for half of the trip the temperature was +30C including the days walking in the Grands Tsingy and Isalo National Park. Yet the scenery is stunning and it was always worth arriving at a new and wonderful location where we would see more of Madagascar's amazing flora & fauna.

Alexander McDonald

Reviewed October 2015

Stunning scenery, great food, excellent guide

This was my third Exodus trip and I really enjoyed cycling around the southern half of Albania. It was quiet, safe, and beautiful. The weather for our trip at the end of September was excellent; even the big climb on the last day was memorable and rewarding! It’s all on-road and, with a few exceptions the roads are quieter and in better condition than most roads in the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most memorable place was Gjirokastra, loved the castle and medieval houses, but the feel of the streets around our hotel was great...slow, relaxed, friendly

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand guided us with authority and a passion for his country. His desire to show us the best of the food and culture was highly rewarding. He shared his time with all group members whilst out on the road and didn't just forge ahead.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be careful with hygiene, most trips have upset stomachs for some reason. Take flip-flops for the thermal springs but also for the showers and bathrooms in most hotels.... Be prepare for long but not particularly steep climbs (6%)

Lynda Cork

Reviewed October 2015

Walking the Amalfi Coast

The holiday included 4 spectacular walks including the famous ‘path of the Gods’. The walks are only 6 to 7 miles long. What I did not appreciate was the steepness of this coastline. The land rises from sea level to over 2000 metres high in only a few miles. This gives walks clinging to edges wirh amazing views over the sea and coastline. It also means there is some quite strenuous walking with lots of steps on some days (2600 on one day). However, the pace is gentle and the phrase used is ‘do-able’. Visiring Pompeii and Versuvios was also amazing. Pompeii is huge and so much to see that having a guide was essential so that you could understand the history.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Valle de Ferrier walking from Amalfi to Ravello. Such a mix of interesting things from walking through Amalfi and seeing the Cathedral and tunnel walkways, to looking at the Nativity scenes along the way. The waterfalls in the valley were so beautiful that I agreed with our guide that we could be in a fairy glen. The plants and butterflies were gorgeous, the houses built into the cliff face and finally arriving in the beautiful town of Ravello and enjoying an iced coffee out of glasses with ceramic stems. (So beautiful were the glasses I bought one to bring home)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was perfect as our leader. She knew what pace to keep so we all enjoyed the walks and did not feel left behind. Her knowledge of the area and the culture is extensive and she relate stories of the locals in a very interesting way. I would recommend her highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a holiday for people who cannot cope with heights. Some of the walking is on paths with steep drops, though it is quite safe some people may struggle with the height. Also the nature of the walking means it is tough on the legs with the number of steps negotiated downhill. I recommend using walking poles.

Gail Steers

Reviewed October 2015

Welcome to the heel of Italy

This was a great, relaxing cycle holiday to the heel of Italy, with a good mix of people. We had quite a large group and exceptional weather of 35-40 degrees in September, which was a little higher than the expected temperature for that time of year.

What a beautiful part of Italy to visit and cycling was a fantastic way to explore it.

I loved having the time to indulge in the cafe/gelato culture at lunch or after the day cycling and the freedom to chill before the optional group dinner or doing something by yourself.

In some of towns, where we experienced an increase in traffic, it was still relatively ‘cycle friendly’. There were many locals who cycle, regardless of age and others self-touring – so it was a very positive cycling experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The towns/villages that we stayed in were really beautiful, but I think the Trulli house in Alberobello and the stay at the Masseria, made the trip a little more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were Marinella and Emanuele and their individual skills complemented the trip perfectly as Marinella was an excellent organizer, a special mention has to be for the recommendations for dinner and the arranging of lunches each day – no small task. Emanuele was our cycle leader who negotiated the route and pace for us and sorted out any mechanical issues that arose (very few) and was keen to invest time in a brief cultural highlights tour after the cycling had finished for the day for those who were interested. I have always maintained that an Exodus trip can be made/broken by the quality of the group leaders – I would say that both Marinella and Emanuele enhanced my experience of this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Puglia is considered to be the flattest part of Italy – but that means the land is undulating rather than ‘alpine’ hilly. For anyone considering this trip who may be a tiny bit worried about hill climbing – don’t be, the pace ranged from 15-20 kph, a speed which suited our group well. Whilst I didn’t do it myself, a day before the trip in Matera and after the trip finishes in Lecce looks really worthwhile, I’ll just have to come back at some point. As with any cycle trip, if you have your own seat/pedals – do take them, the bikes available on this trip were sturdy but basic. For organizing the daily lunches, the leaders ask for 50 euro per person at the beginning of the trip. This then allows them to organize a really good lunch each day and any balance paid back at the end of the trip – this is a good option and one less thing to worry about. Given the quality of the lunches on offer, the money was well spent.

Mary Otter

Reviewed October 2015

Highlights of Turkey

As the title suggests, this is tour which takes in some of the highlights of Turkey. A mix of ancient and more recent history, culture and amazing landscapes, together with friendly people and good food, its a recipe for a great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had high expectations of Turkey and this trip far exceeded them. There were many inspirational moments from the amazing rock formations of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, to the quiet contemplation of Mevlana Rumi Mausoleum in Konya, the poignancy of Gallipoli, and the remains of the ancient city of Ephesus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Fatih was wonderful. Professional, flexible, and cheerful, he was always able to offer choices to the varied group of travellers. His knowledge and love of Turkey shone through. He was ably assisted by Unal the driver, who was also flexible about the itinerary and timings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try not to be too disappointed if you can't take the balloon flight over Cappadocia, we were not able to as it was too windy on the first day and fully booked on the second. There are some long bus journeys, but the bus was comfortable, the driver excellent and the roads good, with regular stops on the way. There is not a huge amount of time in Istanbul so I would recommend adding at least a day at the beginning or end of the trip.

Martin Wright

Reviewed October 2015

Best experience for a solo traveller

This was my first experience of travelling solo and my first experience doing an organized cycle tour. So I had a few concerns about whether I would like the group, would the cycling be interesting and challenging enough, would I meet people that I could become long term friends with. Well I should not have worried. The group dynamics were fantastic with a range of ages and professions from all corners of the world and we all got on wonderfully. The cycling was beautiful – I had heard so much about the Amalfi coast so was very surprised that the Cilento coast was even better to cycle with a little less traffic and a lot less touristy. And it was certainly challenging – not ever so much that you think you can’t make it but even the fittest of us felt some of the long hills. And we did develop friendships that are enduring – even looking at more trips together.

Two thumbs up to Paolo the guide – absolutely brilliant. Accomplishes everything with a smile on his face. He really did an outstanding job keeping us all on track and making sure we were all looked after.

But the most pleasant surprise for me was how relaxed you become so quickly. Everything is taken care of for you so the 100 decisions you normally make on holiday such as “where shall we have lunch?” or “what time should we have breakfast or dinner?” are all taken care of for you. In fact by day 3 you didn’t have to care about where you slept that night or how far you were going to cycle – you just got on the bike and knew everything would be taken care of. A really relaxing experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight for me was probably Cilento - your ride through small coastal villages and the locals seem genuinely happy for you to be there. The few cars you encounter are incredibly considerate even on some pretty narrow roads so you never feel in danger.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo was absolutely fantastic. His leadership style certainly taught me a few things. Getting 16 people of all ages and backgrounds to do exactly what he wants when he wants and all enjoying the experience - absolutely no conflict what so ever. Incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A real asset to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light - you can wash your shirts and shorts along the way. Leave your laptop at home and relax.

Kevin Wallace

Reviewed October 2015

Walking the Great Wall of China

Excellent walking trip to the incredible Great Wall, one of the wonders of the world. My first time in China.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time we climbed up onto the Wall and were able to appreciate its stunning location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Jerry" was a top man. Constant good humour. Very knowledgable about the Wall. Loads of laughs had by all.

Claire Williams

Reviewed October 2015

If you don't climb the mountain you won't see the views...

The spectacular and memorable views that Mount Tre Calli has to offer is most certainly well worth the climb offering stunning views. In summary a great adventure which does not only come from me but also speaking for my side kick and good friend Michelle the Limoncello lady! The previous reviews in themselves from my fellow walking companions are weight and testament of the enjoyment had even though challenging in parts. We enjoyed all the walks, the smells as you walked, the chatting, followed by the drinking and eating, and most of all Limoncello.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk of the gods and finishing up in the picturesque Positano a dream place for a well-deserved beer and swim followed by a scenic ferry ride along the coast back to Amalfi what a wonderful finish to the week and the Valle Delle Ferriere National Park and its natural landscapes . Apart from all the walks it had to be exploring the ruins of Pompeii in the morning and Mount Vesuvius in the afternoon. And most of all meeting some wonderful and interesting people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul was a very knowledgeable and an entertaining group leader who took time to engage with all members of the group we could not have had a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book !!! all good worth it.

Paul Rickter

Reviewed October 2015

Challenging but definitely worth it

The tour is more challenging than I expected. I’ve done several Exodus cycling trips that were rated similarly, but this was tougher than those. Still, definitely worth taking on the challenge — pace yourself and skip the tough hills if you need to (just don’t miss the mountain climb on the last day). Beautiful scenery on quiet roads. Wonderful people — strangers will see you riding by and give you fruit!

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the "optional" mountain climb on the last day. I took the leader's advice and skipped the hills exiting Himare earlier in the day and saved myself for 1km vertical gain mountain pass. It was a serious workout -- two hours of constant climbing, but so rewarding to get to the top. Glad a did it that way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armand was great -- knowledgeable about Albania and very willing to share his thoughts about anything and everything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take your own snacks if you think you'll need them on the ride. The itinerary each day includes fewer rest stops than I'm used to, so you have to make your own breaks if you need it. And be ready for a serious challenge -- the hills are tough and some training on hills before you go would be a really good idea.

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