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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Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
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14440 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Simon Pressley
Reviewed April 2015
Jordan 2015
A wonderful quick whizz around a fantastic country, some of the sites and experiences were amazing
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through the Siq and then seeing the Treasury in Petra, simply mind blowing. The time we spent in Wadi Rum was great as well, with the evening meal (cooked in teh traditional way) very very good
Thoughts on Group Leader
Waed was great, very passionate about his country and could not do enough to make our trip as enjoyable as possible. A really nice bloke who managed to keep a group of 18 of us entertained throughout
Advice for Potential Travellers
Where good walking boots in Petra, enjoy the food and try and experiment it will be worth it. At the Bedioun camp beds and blankets are provided, so I am not sure a sleeping bag is necessary .
Julia Hussey
Reviewed April 2015
Awesome
What an experience, the history, geography, culture and architecture were wonderful. The organisation was perfect, we cracked on at quite a pace which allowed us to see everything, yet somehow managed to have some free time to explore on our own. Everyone I met was helpful, courteous and genuinely welcoming.. The whole trip was truly magical and I came home weary, elated, satisfied, and haven’t stopped talking about it since my return.
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra - your first sight of the Treasury will not disappoint......
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was extremely knowledgably and couldn't do enough to ensure our trip went smoothly. Likewise the driver with whom I felt totally safe and confident despite some of the driving, and some of the roads!
alison stewart
Reviewed April 2015
Mot Hai Ba Yoh
Fabulous holiday. I am not a cyclist at all, I usually go on hill walking holidays, but I was persuaded by my daughter to go on this holiday. The cycling was tough for me, undulating means hilly. A fast pace was set at all times and after the first couple of days I really thought I would have to go in the vehicle support, but I persevered and even did the Hai Van Pass, with lots of encouragement.It was very hot especially in the south The accommodation was far better than I had expected. The food was exceptional and Bia Saigon went down very well at the end of the day.
Most Inspirational Moment
I was out of my comfort zone a lot of the time but seeing the happy smiley faces of the children, waving and shouting hello was great and put a smile on my face.
My favourite day was the cycle from Da Lat to Nha trang,, beautiful scenery, small villages and 32km of downhill, the only day I was not last.
The local markets were amazing with every kind of fish, meat imaginable. You name it the market had it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Long was fantastic as were the rest of his team, the mechanic,the truck driver and the bus driver. Long was always smiling and encouraging. He was full of knowledge on all the different areas we visited. He could tell us about the different fruits
He took us to great places to eat in the evenings ( although this not included in itinerary) be it restaurants or street food.
One of the best leaders I have encountered, nothing was too much trouble for him
Advice for Potential Travellers
I had my 60th birthday while on this trip and as I said not a cyclist although I do consider my self reasonably fit, so do some fitness especially for the hills.
Maybe consider sleeping mat or similar for the overnight train journey.
Be prepared for some long days on the bus.
Margaret Pisaneschi
Reviewed April 2015
Cycle Indochina
Very good cycling trip especially for “non climbers”. Too much on first 3 days especially 90km on first day after long flight no time to acclimatise
Most Inspirational Moment
Angkor wat and contrast as we crossed from Cambodia to Vietnam
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good always helpful lovely person worked really hard. Didn't always make arrangements clear to everybody resulted in confusion especially at Thai Cambodia border
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring dollars not sterling. Read notes carefully especially tipping
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank Margaret for her review, although we are very sorry that she was disappointed with the hotel used in Siem Reap; regrettably the original hotel was overbooked and our local manager believed that the alternative hotel offered a similar standard of accommodation. We are confident that the hotel we usually use in Siem Reap offers a suitable standard of accommodation for our groups.
Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for South East Asia
Paola Cassotti
Reviewed April 2015
Amazing experience
Great week with an excellent combo of activities in a fantastic location. Peaceful and relaxing, great food and friendly service.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the snow walking and cross country skiing in the peace of the forest and the lake. Stunning winter scenery.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Henry was great. Fantastic knowledge of the area and local stories, made me the greatest fan of Finland. Good training session before activities and patient, genuine passion for his job. Thank you!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Additional activities are well worth the extra expenditure.
Philippa Browning
Reviewed April 2015
Great way to experience Cuban city, coast and mountains
I really enjoyed this trip. It was varied and exciting, and we had an excellent guide. Cycling was an excellent way to see the “real” Cuba, getting out of the cities into the countryside. We also saw lots of interesting historical sites, and had plenty of opportunities to swim, relax and drink mojitos.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling through the Escambre mountains, listening to the birds singing and seeing the small farms which seemed unchanged for centuries.
Overtaking horses and carts on quiet country roads.
visiting the historic city of Trinidad.
Snorkelling on coral reefs in the Carribean.
Seeing the Buenavista Social Club perfom live.
Drinking mojitos and pina coladas in shady terraces and by the sea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Yazel was excellent in all respects. Everything ran smoothly and we were always given clear information. The choice of restaurants for meals was excellent, we had some lovely meals. He gave lots of interesting information about history and society in Cuba.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Cycling - given the heat and the number of hills - was a bit tougher than I expected from the "Leisurely moderate" grading! (Though bus back up is always available if you need it). If you are not already a regular cyclist, do some training.
Bring plenty of cash and don't rely on using cash machines or credit cards.
Spend a day or two extra in Havana at the end of the trip - it is a fascinating city.
Colin Bennett
Reviewed April 2015
Galapagos Cachalote tour
The reality of this tour far exceeded my expectations. I elected to fly with KLM from UK. No great shakes but it was OK. The representatives who dealt with my Quito arrangements were helpful, knowledgeable and on time, greeting me on arrival and handling all arrangements of my transfer to the hotel and eventually to the Galapagos. Monserrat even obtained my TAME boarding pass for me. Gloria was a mine of information on my visit to Quito which I extended by one day. The new road from airport to hotel allows a 45 minute transfer time.
The hotel Viejacuba was quaint and clean. Helpful staff always on hand, however, the promised early breakfast on the morning of my Galapagos departure did not materialise.
Christina, my guide met me at Baltra airport. What a gem. At 24yrs she was an encyclopedia of local knowledge on all aspects. Fauna, flora, geology. Couple this with her customer care and enthusiasm, take my tip, tip her well.
The Cachalote although not luxury, is first class. Helpful crew and good wholesome and plentiful food.(How did Pedro, the chef, perform so well?) The cabins are miniscule and, although I was lucky enough not to share, two people sharing would have to be very considerate to one another and arrange a dressing, washing and toiletry rota. Again, the crew were well worth a generous tip.
The weather was hot without being unpleasantly so and, apart from a T shirt to protect from the sun, only shorts were required to swim in.
Now, about the wildlife. Well, this is why I went. It is so fearless you have to take great not to bump into it, tread on it or disturb it. It is in abundance and Christina’s information was boundless. Resist the temptation to touch.
I came home tired but feeling totally satisfied that what I had done could not be bettered.
Most Inspirational Moment
It had to be the wildlife, after all, that is why I went but was all the more appreciated by the knowledge and information our guide imparted.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Words fail me. Christina was superb.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Mulling it over ? Just get up and go.
Timothy Williams
Reviewed April 2015
Discover Costa Rica
I went on this holiday expecting great things and this did not disappoint. The variety of wildlife was second to none. The hotels were all different and to a very good standard. The organisation was good and having two nights at each location gave you chance to experience each of the very different Eco Systems in the country. The guide Johnny was friendly, knowledgable, and went the extra mile often in his free time.
Most Inspirational Moment
The variety of the wildlife.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I have been on a number of Exodus holidays and the group leaders have always been very good but Johnny was the best I have ever come across. He went out of his way to make the holiday a great experience, he sorted out rooms so that you could get straight in on arrival, the cases were always ready. When ever we had any free time, he would normally offer to take us out for a walk to look at the wildlife and as a result I felt that I was occupied for the whole holiday, I am not one for sitting on a beach.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a holiday with very little down time, you can make time if you want but why not rest when you get home.
Joan Harthan
Reviewed April 2015
A Week In Jordan
This trip far exceeded my expectations. We were a group of 18 and within a couple of days we were one big family. I’ve traveled a lot but never, ever been with such an amazing group of people. Everyone got on and we laughed from the start of the holiday to the finish. The itinerary was packed full of great stuff – I did the optional Cave Dinner, Petra by Night, and Snorkeling in the Red Sea – all were great and very reasonably priced. I know some people have complained about the Petra by Night (not in my group) but I loved it. The word I used to describe it was ‘sweet’. The recording of baaing lambs had us all rolling on the floor LOL It’s organised by local people so don’t expect a professional performance, that’s not what it’s about.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in the hills/mountains around Petra was my most inspirational moment(s). If you can manage the 800+ steps to the Monastery, it's well worth the effort. The cafe there sells wonderful orange and pomegranate juice to refresh and cool after the long climb. There are two viewpoints farther up the mountain - go to them both. The one overlooking the canyon will welcome you with a free cup of mint tea, the other one has a great view of the monastery. The following day we climbed steps at the other end of the valley, up to the High Place of Sacrifice. From there we walked along the undulating ridge back to the restaurant bar at the start of the siq. It's on this walk you'll find some interesting rock specimens.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were blessed to have Wael as our guide. He was FANTASTIC, AMAZING, HAPPY, KNOWLEDGEABLE. He said we made his heart smile because we were like one big family and always happy. In truth it was him that made our hearts smile with his unending patience and generosity. Nothing was too much for him. I have strict food restrictions in my diet and he monitored every restaurant and cafe to ensure they complied. He even gave me a card in Arabic to give to restaurants and shops in case I was buying when he was not there with me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Before going, I was concerned about the unrest in the Middle East, but I needn't have been. There was no sign, anywhere, that Jordan is being pulled into the troubles. They have what are termed 'Tourist Police' and we had one such policeman with us at all times - more to ease our passage through towns and border controls, than for protection. I wouldn't hesitate to go again.
Lesley Miller
Reviewed April 2015
A Week in Jordan
This was a fabulous, exciting and varied trip made even more memorable by our great guide. Jordan is the perfect place to visit for a week – not just the rose red city of Petra but also the desert expanses of Wadi Rum and the chance to spend a night in a Bedouin tent. We covered just about everything – the Roman ruins of Jerash, the mosaics of Madaba, the Crusader castle at Karak and at full two days in the lost city of Petra with plenty of free time to wander around. For me a major highlight was the Bedouin experience – dinner lounging on divans in a Bedouin camp followed by a jeep trip across the desert and a night sleeping under the stars in another Bedouin camp. Followed by decompressing in Aqaba – fab shopping here – and finally taking in the sights of Amman. The rest of the region may be turbulent but Jordan is perfectly safe and very quiet, so it’s an excellent time to go. There were stunningly few tourists in Petra.
Most Inspirational Moment
My first view of Petra was unforgettable - the rich pinks and red of the rocks, the narrow chasm you walk through to get there, the extraordinary carving and architecture and the sheer awe-inspiring size of it. It’s certainly worth several days exploration. But the jeep ride across Wadi Rum was if anything even more exciting and the night at the Bedouin camp with the brilliant stars and moon above and the fire in the middle of the stone circle was unforgettable. And just the endless expanses of desert as we drove along.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wa’el was full of enthusiasm and jollity and humour. A different guide would have made the trip entirely different. He was full of information on everything and also ran the trip with a firm hand and made sure we all turned up on time. I appreciated that he gave us a lot fo free time at Petra. He was also very responsive to the demands of the group. We asked for more local food and he found it for us and also gave us extra time in Amman for shopping which involved making last minute changes to the schedule.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go now! Jordan is entirely safe and incredibly welcoming. At one point I was walking alone down a back street in Aqaba and saw a group of blokes who I thought (as a lone female) looked a little dodgy. Then they all gave me huge grins and shouted out, ‘Welcome to Jordan!’ Because people are nervous not many tourists are visiting so this is an extraordinary chance to have Petra to yourself. In practical terms I was glad of my sleeping bag in the Bedouin camp. The weather was incredibly varied - very cool in the evening in Petra, surprisingly warm in the Bedouin camp and very hot in Aqaba.
