Reviews

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

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14423 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed June 2013

MACHU PICCHU & GALAPAGOS

The trip lived up to expectation and was one of a lifetime. The ruins in Peru were breathtaking and the wildlife of the Galapagos is like living inside a wildlife documentary. This was the first time I had travelled with Exodus and it won’t be the last

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to Machu Piccu and seeing the iconic image for the first time. I had to pinch myself to remind myself it was real. Snorkelling with sharks and turtles and rounding a bend and coming face to face with an enormous tortoise who has lived longer than any human.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three guides all very different, extremely knowledable and excellent. One of our group was unexpectedly injured and unable to participate on all of the walks. Our galapagos guide ensured he had extra panga rides so he did not miss out. they also organised medical assessments and assistance at the airports.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The days are long with lots of early starts and a few are taken up with nothing but travel. You don't know what itinery you will be doing in the Galapagos until you get there. It didn't matter to me but some had specifically wanted A and we got B, however they weren't disappointed. The Cathalote is great, the berth is small so only pack what you need and leave the rest in Quito. The boat moves at night. It can be noisy and a little rocky at times. Our sleep was disturbed, even for hardy sailors but you can rest during the day and just adds to the adventure. Take an underwater camera and learn how to use it before you go!

Reviewed June 2013

DOLOMITES, LAKE GARDA & VENICE RIDE

This trip was excellent and we saw a lot of Italy during our week, cycling from Bolzano to Venice. The cycle paths were excellent and the countryside beautiful going from the snowy peaks of the Dolomites to many vinyards as we cycled towards Lake Garda. Then on to Verona, Vicenza,Padova and finally Venice . The trip allowed you to experience rural Italy as well as all the cities with their individual historical past, so it was also for me a cultural experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our visit to the Scravigni Chapel in Padova was a very enlightening experience, where we saw the Frescos by Giotti telling the story of Christ - a story in amazing paintings is what I would call it, well worth a visit. Also in Padova was St. Anthony's Cathedral which was huge and again had many frescos , and sculptures. Seeing Verona from the top of the hill early in the morning it was just beautiful - the guide took me a cycle up the hill overlooking Verona. Seeing Venice and all the waterways busy with water taxis, gondolas and vaporettas it was quite amazing seeing the transport being on boats and not in cars. St. Marks Square in Venice, climbing to the top of the tower seeing a panoramic view of Venice and the islands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was excellent and he took care of us extremely well and ensured that we were altogether when cycling. He showed us rural Italy and took us to places we would not have seen and also suggested that we try the local food and alcohol, both were excellent. He had great knowledge of the history of the towns and cities we visited. He was a great character with lots of personality, charisma and fun and everyone was treated the same. Everything was well organised and we had no mishaps. He also organised early morning rides up the local hills to view points for those who were early birds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a great trip mixing cycling with the local culture and cuisine. A certain level of fitness is required but overall the cycling was on flat cycle paths and roads. There were one or two hills which some managed easier than others, but the guide always made sure that he was at the back with the slowest to encourage them up the hill and we all made it. Remember your camera as there are loads of opportunities for taking photos of the spectacular scenery, cathedrals and historical buildings. The rural areas were relatively cheap much the same as in Britain, but the cities were considerably more expensive especially Venice which is to be expected. The markets are cheap with amazing selection of fruit, cheese and bread -wonderful. A must do in Venice is going to the bar called DA LELE in Campo Dei Tolentini Santa Croce where you get small glass of red or white wine for 60c, and a ham roll for 90c. Very busy but well worth a visit just for the experience. The cheapest places in Venice for a drink and food in the evening and not too busy are in the Dorsuduro area, away from the crowded restaurants. Take the rough guide to Venice very informative. Remember your rain jacket for the occasional heavy shower.

Reviewed June 2013

THE INCA TRAIL Moonstone Trek

A very well co-ordinated trip. It would have been impossible to put together such a combination of events by myself for the cost of the trip. Absolutely no hassle, every potentional stress point was anticipated and solved by the trip leaders on the ground.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking at a snow covered mountain peak (Mount Veronica?) on the way back from the loo tent in the middle of the Andes at 2am with frost on the tents, after a day of climbing at high and stressful altitudes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two - Ollie in Cusco and Miguel for the trek. Both were excellent.On the trek (the Moonstone) I did not think I was up to it after the first day. But Miguel had been assessing us all and when I confided my fears to him he said I could do it and gave me the confidence to continue. I was looked after SO well by Miguel, and the second in command (Frank) and I made it to the pass by myself (no horse rides) and also the rest of the trek. It's a big responsibility, taking people into the mountains, and Miguel did a grand job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take wet wipes and plenty of lightweight warm clothing. Don't under estimate the effects of altitude on your body. Go with an open mind and enjoy the experiences that come your way - don't rush, a little with depth is better than a lot that's superficial.

Reviewed June 2013

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

A wonderful way to explore 3 very different islands. Our guide Thanos was extremely knowledgeable and brought the history of each island alive for us and his enthusiasm was infectious. Definitely a leisurely trip with a ferry ride every other day (look out for dolphins) and time to explore the towns and laze on a few beaches – very welcome after our walk in the heat on Paros. Great food and lots of it- Thanos was very helpful with recommendations for local dishes/drinks.

Most Inspirational Moment

exploring the beautiful islands and seeing the pace of life on Paros and Naxos, lovely atmosphere and places to return to. The scenery on Santorini is spectacular, hence it is very popular with tourists - fine if you can stay away from the visitors from the cruise ships, the walk was amazing (it was the second time I had done this) and we stayed longer in Ia and it emptied out in the later afternoon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, thorough and a very high standard of service - both from himself and those around us in each of the restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

it was easy to add extra nights at the start/end of the trip and well worth it to see Athens - Jason Inn was very central and exploring from there was easy with the main sights all within walking distance - very pleasant as the centre of Athens is mostly pedestrianised.

Reviewed June 2013

AMALFI COAST & BAY OF NAPLES

A lovely short holiday, in a beautiful area of Europe. Good for last-minute deciders as requires no preparation. I enjoyed everything – the location, the walks and visits, the very nice group, the hotel, the food….

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking round the crater of Vesuvius and looking down from there towards the city of Naples, with its 2 million people waiting for the next eruption .....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable , experienced, well organised, somewhat temperamental :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is an easy going, relaxed trip. Rather more sitting in a minibus and rather less walking than expected but that was fine for a week. Allow for mixed weather of you go in the spring...

Reviewed June 2013

Great Country, Great Guide, Great Wall

The trip was excellent and far exceeded my expectations. The walking is good. There are a lot of steps and some uneven sections but the distances and days aren’t particuarly long. Most days we had a late lunch on arrival to our accomodation. There’s plenty of opportunities for seeing the culture and taking part in other activities e.g a chinese massage, an acrobatics show, tea taasting, visiting temples etc.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the weather cleared up after a couple of days of rain and we got the first views of the wall snaking off into the distance.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin was the best guide i've ever had. He is always striving to keep his guests happy. He observes which foods are popular at meal times and ensures he orders things that people will like. On the final day when it is a free afternoon in Beijing, he provided a guided option and took us to see the Llama temple and to a teahouse. He is very interesting and enjoys telling guests about his country. He provides lots of information so you always know what is happening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not be surprised if you get a couple of rainy days (I travelled in early June). Be prepared for Karaoke! Be prepared for a couple of the guesthouses to be quite basic.

Reviewed June 2013

YOSEMITE AND THE CANYONLANDS

I am often asked , out of all of the trips I have been on, which one is the best. My answer has always been vague because they have all had something special. I now have the ultimate answer. If you want a trip of a lifetime then this is the one I recommend. My favourite word for this experience is AWESOME

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise in the national parks. And watching the sunset in all of the national parks. AWESOME

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our two leaders were inspirational. They encouraged us to rise before the Sun so.that that we were packed up and ready to start our next adventure as the Sun rose over the horizon.. The horizon was the edge of the worlds in Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and The Grand Canyon. AWESOME

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like the outdoors and all that it encompasses then this is the trip for you. It is AWESOME.

Reviewed June 2013

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TREK

Five and a half days walking across a rather uninspiring part of northwest Spain, better walks in the Brecon Beacons.

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing really.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Spanish, excellent and spoke very good English. The advantage of having a native speaker leading the trail is obvious, he was able to advise on places to eat, menus and places to visit (not that there were many) and communicated well with locals and the various restauranteurs and hoteliers that we dealt with. He was always friendly and willing to please. Highly recommended.Jose (our leader) had to leave us on the Friday evening in order to lead another party (of cyclists) along "The Way", this left all day Saturday and Sunday until 1200 hours without a representative. Now, this wasn't really a problem but had anything gone astray, someone had an accident or one of the party had problems with, perhaps, the police, for example, then it could have been. I thought that we had paid for the whole package and that we should have received it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walk is along farm lanes, forestry type tracks and pavements which are hard surfaces and are hard on the feet. One day was just over 20 miles and the next about 20 miles. All the walkers were experienced and most had trouble with feet, joints or muscles.One person had such trouble with his feet that he had to take a taxi 20 miles to see a doctor who, because of the state of his feet, banned him from continuing.I think that the week should be "stretched" by one day to reduce these distances to a more acceptable level and one which would be more comfortable and enjoyable. Whilst "The Way" is a pilgrimage of sorts it should still be enjoyable and fairly relaxed.

Reviewed June 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

This is an incredible experience. It isn’t the most relaxing holiday but get what do expect when you cover 2000km passing mountains, kasbahs, arid wastelands, deserts, and imperial cities!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the erg chebbi sand dunes at sunrise. A millions miles away from anywhere overlooking the Bedouin camp - truly amazing and inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very informative, maybe a little pro-Berber but a magnificent guide - pay him more!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware some imperial city hotel rooms can be quite susceptible to outside noise. I.e. prayer calls, late night arguments outside local boozers, and dogs barking all night - ear plugs highly advised! Alcohol gel essential Desert is not as hot as you would expect, like a very hot Spanish summer day.

Reviewed June 2013

MONTENEGRO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

This was our first holiday with exodus and it was excellent. The tour was interesting, the tour leader did his best to ensure all our questions were answered and went the “extra mile” to ensure we were satisfied. It was so good we now need to consider what exodus tour we do next.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip for us was visiting Sarajevo, our knowledge of Bosnian history was not very extensive, we now have a far greater understanding. The culture is interesting, the buildings in the old town are fascinating and it seems a friendly place. The visit to the war tunnel museum is something not to be missed. There were many things we enjoyed, the lunch with the farmers family was great, the walk by the river to the suspension bridge followed by lunch in a restaurant by the river. Kotor was great and the boat trip back to town enjoyable. The walk to the gorge was refreshing on the way down and hard work on the way back, but the lunch prepared by the family was eaten "al fresco" on a log on the grass behind their home - a great memory. The waterfalls were also really good and the tour leader got us there before anyone else so we had an uninterrupted view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laurence (Lorenc) was great, he welcomed us at the airport and tirelessly dealt with our needs, always answering questions and nothing was too much trouble. He always arranged restaurants at lunch and dinner (our expense) and they were always authentic or in a good location for a viewpoint, the view of Mostar bridge in the evening was particularly good. He was knowledgeable and helpful, he did extra things at his own expense e.g. sweets or fruit and gave them to All of us. When we did the arranged walks (two) he carried a large rucksack so that at the stops we had tea or coffee and something to eat. He went what I would call the extra mile, as an example he lives in Sarajevo and it would have been reasonable for him to leave us at the end of the day at our hotel, however he didn't, he arranged the restaurants and went with us on all three nights, returning to his family late in the evening. His English was excellent and his sense of humour was very very good, he made a big difference to the success of the holiday Our driver Suleman, was also really good, he didn't speak English but we conversed and he always made sure we were safe and our luggage was on board.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in May as we wanted to experience the spring flowers and full waterfalls following the spring / winter rain, we didn't however anticipate torrential rain. It didn't rain all the item but at some point each day (except for the last day in Dubrovnik) it rained, I would recommend that anyone travelling in May/ June takes waterproof jacket and trousers. The hotels are not of a high standard, the rooms can be small and on some occasions we didn't have a wardrobe. When we did have a wardrobe on some occasions we then didn't have coathangers. Sometimes there are no sink plugs and the towels may be worn and small. Don't expect UK standards and you will be OK, just smile and use it as an experience.

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