Reviews

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

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14460 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Graham Johnson

Reviewed October 2015

Superb trip!!

This trip delivered exactly what I had hoped for. Namibia is a huge and rugged country and this is an ideal trip to get beneath the skin of it and get close to nature.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots, but 12 rhino at Okaukuejo waterhole in Etosha at night was spectacular. Tracking a rhino on foot was an unexpected bonus, a late evening vantage point on top of rocks in the Hoanib river watching elephants passing below was magical. The wild camps in Palmweg were wonderful, food exceptional and camp facilities extremely comfortable. Finally on our last day in Etosha we were lucky enough to see a leopard at Klein Namutoni waterhole in the morning. We returned there for sunset, and right on cue 2 rhino appeared. What more could we ask.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hans and Richard were true professionals. Both extremely hard working, bearing in mind they drive, spot game, prepare lunch and then cook the evening meal. In addition, two great guys, sociable and instructive but also keen to interact with the group. I personally give them top marks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you read the trip notes right you will pack warm clothes, and after the first 2 nights you may well be thinking you've brought too much. When you get to the 2nd camp in the Palmweg you'll be glad you brought warm stuff!! Also, I don't know whether it was the heat or whatever but we all seemed to go through camera batteries at an alarming rate. The vehicles have charging facilities but you will need AT LEAST one spare battery, preferably more, for each camera

Lesley Shane

Reviewed October 2015

A week in jordan

First of all… Don’t listen to friends and relatives who may be concerned about your going off to the Middle East. Jordan feels extremely safe, the Jordanians are understandably proud of their neutral stance in the Middle East and are welcoming and friendly. and yes, they rely on tourism which is seriously down given the current situation in its neighbouring countries.
Having got that out of the way I highly recommend this trip, it is very rushed as there is a lot to see in a scant week, if you can I would strongly urge you to go a day early so you have a chance to see some of Amman, or stay a day later for the same reason. there is so much we did not have time to do.
The highlight of course is Petra and this trip is set up so you have your tour leader introducing you to Petra on day one and on day two you are free to explore on your own. brilliant.
You do need a fairly high degree of mobility if you plan to hike up to the Monastery or the High Places both of which are a must. You can go up by donkey but that looked even scarier than going on foot! But there is plenty to do in the Valley floor if you cannot hike up these incredible mountains.
Did the snorkelling trip in Aqaba and it was a highlight amongst many highlights. The crew on the boat were helpful, experienced, friendly and good cooks! I cannot imagine it could be better on a beach or wandering around the noisy town. It was a perfect end to our very full week. My only regret is that we did not have more time in Amman to explore the brand new Museum and monuments other than the Citadel and to have a bit of time for shopping. We did manage to get about an hour on Rainbow street which was worthwhile but re were several other handicraft shops recommended in the various guides to Jordan and we simply did not have the time.
I would actually urge Exodus to schedule a Fridday evening departure and this give you a 8 days in Jordan.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well it is hard to pick one out above the others but I think for me the climb up to the Monastery in Petra was probably the most inspirational and then of course there was sleeping out under the stars in Wadi Rum and the camel ride to watch the sunrise also in Wadi Rum. Just being in Petra and absorbing the amazing buildings and sandstone cliffs and the play of sun and shadows on those incredibly beautiful rocks and mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ala was really well informed and happy to answer any questions be they political or otherwise. He could advise us on restaurants, on prices for donkey rides, horse rides, whether to take camel rides or not; he adapted to our requests, we enjoyed having lunch on the run and so he would stop at the best Shwarma shops, recommend the best baclava shops for our souvenirs to take home. He recommended in which order to do the hard hikes in Petra and recommended a particular interesting jewellery shop in Petra. Nothing was too much trouble for him to arrange and because he accommodated everyone we were perhaps a little delayed by one or two members of the group spending more time shopping than others.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fit.... The hike up to Monastery and High Place is hard going, specially in the heat. You can never have enough water with you and while it is readily available everywhere it is very expensive when purchased from restaurants...2jdr whereas if you buy in bulk at a supermarket it is down to .50jdr. Not many restaurants serve wine and beer so if you like a tipple or two make sure you bring it with you from Duty Free. Or buy beer from a supermarket, it is possible. Any shopping for handicrafts that you want to do should be done in Petra as no time in Amman although there are good shops at the airport but to me it is not quite the same as buying locally. I suggest an agreement be made on day one in Petra that any shopping be done on the second day when you are on your own. That way the group can get the most benefit from having the group leader with you to explain all the sights and options. Take a packed lunch with you to Petra both days, the hotel in Petra did not mind if you took extra from the breakfast buffet. Definitely have a pomegranate juice or two and a daily lemon mint juice!

Richard Dunstan

Reviewed October 2015

uzbekhistan uncovered

overall rating on the ground brilliant, transport to London and back DIRE; only a few hours of the 12 glorious days but if Uzbekhistan wants to encourage tourism, the age of their (?only) Boeing 757 and the Soviet charm of their staff needs to be seriously improved; this (an overnight flight out of 6 hours so arriving shattered and a miserable 7+ hours back, seats broken, minimal leg room, the most appalling inflight service etc etc) left an appalling impression.
Having got that off my chest, the trip was exhilarating and a much better itinerary than many of the other groups met at the airport (only 2 London flights a week so all, whatever their cost, suffered the same indignities) (C&K, VJV, etc who were submitted to a an unvarying diet (saturation) of the 3 Ms (mosques, madrassahs and markets); this one had intervening days out in the desert including an arguable highlight, a night in a yurt followed by a Bactrian camel ride to a swim in an inland sea

Most Inspirational Moment

our tour leader Dilshod who was unfailingly cheerful, knowledgeable, efficient, tactful etc etc., one of the finest of many trips (50+) but the country is revelatory, relieved of Soviet domination, apparently thriving (natural gas) and happy (although we went off route, deliberately, in Tashkent and walked through districts which had never seen a tourist, a total difference to the sanitised "open" areas, and the cleanliness of the streets was an object lesson)) the "heritage" is spectacular, the most wondrous monuments, heavily restored to almost too spick and span mode creature comforts adequate, the hotels varied from the Soviet in Tashkent to boutique style in Bokhara to less than modest in Samarkand; acceptable, never less than so but never more, always hot water but lacking in individuality or recommendation food very samey, excellent salads for those who dared (the markets were most impressive in the wealth and depth of produce), ; 75%+ suffered from intestinal hurry; those of we lucky who eat off the streets were happily spared

Thoughts on Group Leader

brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

go go go

Eleanor Freckleton

Reviewed October 2015

Sierra Nevada and Granada

The holiday was fantastic – great walks, a very knowledgeable guide and first class hospitality from the family at the Hotel Los Berchules.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day's walk - a circular walk from the hotel which gives you fantastic views across the valley back to Berchules. Although it is the most taxing walk, it is not too much hard work and it is worth it for the views from the other side of the valley.

Thoughts on Group Leader

George has a passion for the local area and his knowledge is second to none given he has lived in the area for over ten years. He was also very good at making sure people of mixed abilities were catered for on all the walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The afternoon in Granada was very rushed, just too much to try and fit in. Therefore, if you are thinking of extending your holiday I would recommend an extra night or two in Granada for sightseeing.

Christina O'Farrell

Reviewed October 2015

Carpathian Mountains and Bears

A fabulous week in a beautiful location. Gorgeous scenery and lovely countryside to walk in and excellent accommodation.

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment in the bear hide when we saw the first bears appear into the clearing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Udo was our group leader. He was friendly, approachable and his local knowledge which he was only too willing to impart was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to your leader! They are the experts. Be prepared for lots of walking over sometimes challenging terrain. It is a mountain area so obviously there is a lot of up and down on rocky ground so make sure you have appropriate footwear.

Karen Williams

Reviewed October 2015

Walking in tuscany

Brilliant holiday – good walking good food – lovely accommodation

Most Inspirational Moment

The views when we reached the summits of our climbs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was great very informative but she always had our safety in minds

Geraldine Waite

Reviewed October 2015

A Week in Jordan

I missed day 1 since I arrived on the morning of day 1 too late to take part.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was laid back, which was good. He was interesting and informative. He did not need to eat through the day so he didn't think we needed to!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have lunch about your person. The days are long, either in the coach or on the various sightseeing trips.

Marian Watson

Reviewed October 2015

Trekking with Culture in Bhutan

Although we had disappointing weather – it rained mostly while trekking – this trip takes you to one of those beautiful places which the majority of people still haven’t heard of. And that’s the beauty of it. There are few tourists and the Bhutanese themselves are delightful and unspoilt. The Buddhist culture and local traditions are fascinating There is no hard sell and there are no hawkers. They are happy for you just to have a look at their crafts without buying when you go into the shops. This is after all The Land of Gross National Happiness.

Most Inspirational Moment

More like highlights, of which there were many. The walk up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. An out of programme trip organised by our leaders to visit the beautiful dzong in Punakha together with an impromptu visit to a local festival in Wangdue Phodrang. Stories of the Divine Madman and seeing phalluses painted all over the houses which are a sign of good luck here. Watching boy monks dancing in costume inside their dzong. Assisting in a ceremony inside one of the temples. Watching the festival in Thimpu and observing the locals dressed in their best ceremonial clothes, and more mundane things - but not least important! - like hot water bottles at night on trek, solar lamps, delicious pizza and cake made by the camp chef.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Norbu and Karma were excellent leaders. Both were well organised and took great care of the group. Karma took care of the monastic/temples side of the trip explaining everything about the Buddhist religion, whilst Norbu told us more about the politics, royal family and social/environmental structure of the country and how they are striving to get it all right. Both were complimentary to each other. Karma fell over backwards to try and keep us happy......during the rain! He even washed our muddy boots in the river at the end of the trek!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is NOT a trek for BEGINNERS. The altitude is something to be taken seriously (over 4000mts asl) and also physical fitness is an absolute must. Trekking, albeit the foothills, in the Himalayas is hard on the body. However, if you are used to hill walking , you will love it.

Lorna Killam

Reviewed October 2015

Cycling in Sicily was INCREDIBILE!

Cycling in Sicily is the first cycling trip my husband and I have taken. We both absolutely loved it and are anxious to start planning our next one with Exodus. Everything from start to finish was terrific; the itinerary, accommodations, events, FOOD and FRIENDS!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many unforgettable events on this trip! But, some of my favourite times were the coastal drives drives, swimming in the Mediterannean and enjoying lovely, long evening dinners with our travelling companions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I could not say enough wonderful things about our group leader Thomas. Attentive, knowledgable and engaging! Our 2 accompanying drivers, both named Guiseppe, were also terrific.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling in Sicily is classified as a 'moderate' level. I would suggest that it is leaning towards challenging, due to the regular steepness of hills. I am a regular cyclist and am comfortable with distances, however, my experience was for the most part on flat roads. I thought this would put me into a 'moderate' category but, I was incorrect. I would make sure that you are comfortable with long, very steep climbs if you are considering this trip.

Reviewed October 2015

Croatia must see - very picturesque

The trip to Croatia was excellent. I arrived early to enable me to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, truly amazing.
The tour was fantastic, we had a great guide and a fun group. The group was small – 9, which made it easy to get around. The accommodations chosen where in great locations, quiet and comfortable. The tour had a nice mix of structured time and individual time. One half day event should be changed, feedback was provided to improve the tour for others – otherwise it would have been excellent.
After the tour I spent an additional 3 days to allow me to visit Mostar and Montenegro. If you are limited to the 7 day tour, I recommend you visit the island of Lokrum as the other two locations are a 12 hour day with 6-7 hours driving time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moment was watching the sunset in Dubrovnik from the top of the cable car Also need to mention the island of Mljet, enjoyed the hike to the fire station - what an incredible view and the swim in the lakes - so peaceful and refreshing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Marko was outstanding, always had a smile and very enthusiastic about his country. Helpful in providing options and supportive to those who required additional assistance. The local guides where very knowledgeable during the city tours and provided excellent advice on places to eat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the advice of the group leader and local guides, they help make the best of your time. Go early to the Old Town's you will have the place almost to yourself Stay longer and do a few other tours on your own

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