Reviews

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

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14317 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed December 2012

DOLOMITES, LAKE GARDA & VENICE RIDE

This was a very enjoyable trip; a nice combination of mostly easy cycling and getting a taste of the countryside and cities of Northern Italy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Venice is amazing - it was on my 'to do' list for quite a while, so being able to combine it with an activity holiday was great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was excellent. The guidebook, including maps, and list of hotels provided at the start were also very useful and informative - it would have been possible to find the route and the hotel each day even if you had been separated from the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it. The days are a bit more 'full on' than on other trips, not due to the cycling but due to the time spent visiting the cities in the evenings, where there is rather more to see than in cycling holidays in more rural areas. If you want a holiday with more-difficult cycling, chose a different trip, as this was probably the easiest of the 'moderate' grade holidays I've been on, with only one reasonably serious hill on the trip.

Reviewed December 2012

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

A great holiday, with a very pleasant group, a brilliant leader, good walking in attractive scenery, and based at a simple friendly family hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thanos's moving account of the Canadian soldiers whisked to safety during the war and what happened to the family that helped them.Walking-wise, the Demosaris gorge and the Roman aqueduct descending from Castello Rosso.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was brilliant. He organised things very well (cafes, transport, etc - and finding a reliable taxi-driver and central hotel for us when my friend and I used the free day to end up with 2 days in Athens), answered all questions and had fantastic local knowledge, and walked at a reasonable pace on the whole (but we did get a bit too strung out on occasion when going downhill and there was the deadline of a bus to catch).

Advice for Potential Travellers

October seems a good month - I was glad that on no day was it uncomfortably hot while walking. I found the long descents over boulders quite testing, even with poles, as falling forward is more painful! but overall the walking was very enjoyable. Good hotel breakfasts, evening meals at local cafes acceptable (with wine flowing freely) but pretty unimaginative.

Reviewed December 2012

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

If you want to see the highlights of China then this is definitely a good way to do it. Apart from satisfying your curiousity about the past it also helps you put the potential future of the country into perspective. But there is relatively little countryside/wildlife on this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The great Wall of China threw everything at us: we started in the rain, then got a sprinkling of hail, thunder and lightening, before clearing up and showing itself in beautiful light with views far into the distance. Could have spent more time here, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. The Panda breeding centre was another highlight. the animal enclosures are well done and look reasonably natural. An early arrival ensured we saw them in active feeding mode, incl a cub playing with its mum (?) and within a few meters. Going to the enclosures a little further, we found ourselves alone with one adult chomping its way through breakfast, with clear sound effects. Also enjoyed the day walk up Emei Shan, through the woods, with lovely temples. Despite the crowds, the felt very peaceful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sophia/ Huey was very helpful and spoke excellent English. She was always considerate to the needs of the whole group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need anywhere near as many clothes as you think. Haggle very strongly, esp in Yangshou (starting point seems to be three- four times the final price you can actually pay). Suggest to your guide that the tipping kitty does not include the cruise ship element; it's better left to your own discretion. Don't take suitcases, bag-style luggage is easier to carry and you have to carry your stuff around to/from trains and planes.

Reviewed November 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

This is a fantastic trip full of history and culture. Jordan is a wonderful place to visit, the people are very friendly and you feel very safe and well looked after. If you would like to visit the middle east this is the trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many wonderfull highlights to this trip it is hard to decide. Petra is amazing and takes your breath away when you see the Treasury for the first time after walking through the Siq as was the long walk up the steps to see the Monastary and the high place of sacrifice. You definitely need the 2 days there to take it all in. The Wadi Rum is perhaps my favourite place of the trip, its so peaceful there and you feel truly inspired by the stillness of the desert. Our bedhouin hosts provided a delicious meal and made us feel very welcome in their camp. sleeping under the stars just finished the experience off perfectly. The camel ride in the morning was the perfect way to end our time there, a real 'Lawrence of Arabia' experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny our guide was fantastic. His knowledge of all the places we visited was amazing and he brought the history of each place to life. He was very passionate about his country and wanted us to experience the best that Jordan had to offer us. We were a large group so we all had differerent demands but he was always willing to accommodate everyones needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is an action packed trip with not much time in some of the places have any 'free' time to look around or shop which may be frustrating for some. You get a free afternoon on the second day in Petra and there are plenty of souvenir stalls to brouse round and grab a bargain. The jewellery is particularly good quality here and the bedhouin traders always happy to barter. There's a lot of history to take in in each place so it does help to have one of the guide books like 'The Lonely Planet' to refer to. Take a sleeping bag and plenty of layers for the night in Wadi Rum, it does get very cold at night.

Reviewed November 2012

SOUTH AFRICA: CYCLING THE CAPE & WINELANDS

Well organised, well executed tour with a great bunch of people in one of the most beautiful parts of the world in which to peddle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it across Chapmans Peak and then relishing the stunning views and swooping downhills on the other side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis was first class and especially adept at managing the varying skill and fitness levels of the participants so that the strugglers like me were able to complete 99% of the distance, while the fitter folks had the opportunity to do their thing as a faster pace or over a longer distance.He and Sufiso made an excellent team: between them they cooked for us just brilliantly, ironed out any issues with accomodation and generally created a situation which could get on and enjoy the trip with them taking care of all the hassle. Very grateful, guys!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My fitter friends may disagree, but to my mind this trip is at the more challenging end of Moderate. Don't let that put you off, if like me you are knocking on a bit, but spend a few more hours working on your fitness level before you leave. You will be amply rewarded for the extra effort....Bottom line: it's a great trip, just go for it!!

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

Having travelled with Exodus on about 12 occasions, it is difficult to pick my favourite trip, but I think Cycling Rajasthan was the best yet. I really cannot fault this trip and everybody in the group had a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I start, Cycling through busy Indian Cities was exciting, cycling through small villages was an experience you cannot forget. The historic buildings were excellent. Divali Party was great.Most of all, the Taj Mahal lives up to your expectations

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have always found Exodus group leaders to be top class. On this occasion a new standard has been set, I cannot describe just how good Sanjay and Harish were. Along with our driver, 'bike boy' and bus attendent they were perfect and it felt like we were leaving old friends when we left.I have read previous reviews that rated Indian Group Leaders very highly. They are simply the best.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Constant washing of hands with gel made for no upset stomachs for the large majority of the group.Be prepared for 6am wake up calls, bags packed by 6.30, breakfast and start cycling.The cycling even on the longest days is not difficult and the pace is leisurely.

Reviewed November 2012

ESSENTIAL PERU

A really interesting trip, covering all the most important sights in Peru. Scenery was spectacular, although be prepared for very long days travelling and many extremely early starts. Machu Picchu definitely lived up to expectations and we were particularly fortunate to have perfect weather for our visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Highlights, as expected, were Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon (to see the Condors), and visiting the Uros Indians living on the floating reed islands. Our overnight homestay on the Lake was so interesting and despite some qualms beforehand about the facilities our hosts were charming - living a very simple life but so hospitable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabrizzio was very helpful and all arrangements en route were pefect. He advised us regarding coping with the altitude - don't underestimate the effects this has - and proved a valuable and informative guide at Machu Picchu.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take cash in Peruvian Sol - US Dollars were only needed to pay for a couple of elective trips. Bargain for souvenirs, even some of the more expensive shops in Cusco were prepared to offer discounts. Alpaca products are worth buying. Be prepared to feel the effects of altitude and heed the advice of your guide. We were very lucky with the weather, which can be very changeable, so a lightweight waterproof jacket (with hood) is essential. Also, wear "layers" as early morning starts can be chilly but can then quickly warm up to t-shirt weather. Try the Pisco Sours - delicious. I avoided the guinea pigs but was assured they are delicious!!

Reviewed November 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

This is a fast-paced trip packed with activity; very much designed for anyone fascinated with the ancient history of the middle east. I loved Petra and Wadi Rum and thankfully we had enough time to really explore those places and the sunny weather to go with the visits … however, other aspects of the week were not so good…

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra has to be the highlight of this trip - it didn't disappoint. The sheer scale of the ancient city was mind-blowing. I loved exploring the heights above the heart of Petra and would particularly recommend the exhausting walk up to the Monastery and also the place of High Sacrifice. Spooky!Wadi Rum was also a brilliant experience - we had an evening meal cooked in a desert oven. So tasty!My third highlight was Jerash - a vast Roman city, situated to the north of Amman. I just wish this visit had been included at the end of the trip and not on day 1 when we were all exhausted from our 3am arrival the night before!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Dan, was extremely knowledgeable about Middle Eastern ancient history and was keen to share this with us. However, sometimes his zest for his subject - and his desire to keep to the planned itinerary - created an inflexibility as regards tuning in to the needs and wants of the group. A number of the female members of the group would have liked more opportunities for good quality shopping ... for example, we were rushed through the row of shops and stalls lining the main street in Madeba in order to reach the Church containing Mosaics ... Dan also tended to mumble, so stand near to him if you want to hear what he has to say! Our group numbered 22 so, frequently, hearing his discourse clearly was a real challenge!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of immodium - about a third of our group got D and V!November is a great month to go on this trip if you are lucky with the weather... the previous week the group had rain and cloud all week but we had sun! So take layers of clothing because even if it's hot in the day it's usually cold at night, particularly in Amman in the north. And take a rain proof jacket.Petra really is the high-light and you have two good days to explore. If you want help to get around horses and donkeys and camels are available but can be high-spirited if egged on by their youthful owners! My sense is that on foot is best ... so take solid walking shoes for tramping over thos dusty and loose boulders and slippery steps.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This trip was all I hoped it would be

Most Inspirational Moment

Actually completing the 70k ride on the third day even if it was nearly dark Learning the history first hand from some inspirational people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was fabulous when the ATM ate my card at 10pm she and the local rep were calm (I wasn't) and it was all sorted out by 8 the next morning.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only take the bare minimum for cycling and wash it out

Reviewed November 2012

THE TROPICAL SOUTH

This was a fantastically varied and colourful trip, with a great combination of wildlife, culture and beautiful landscapes

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite a few - it was lovely seeing the ladies picking tea in the mountains; watching the people praying and worshiping the various Hindu gods in the amazing temple in Madurai; watching life on the backwaters from the amazing and very relaxing houseboat; and the people in general - so friendly and unassuming

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ajay was a fantastic leader, you could tell he really cared that we were all having a good time. He was very knowledgable and keen to answer any questions we had. Any feedback was taken on board and he did his best to make right anything that people weren't happy with. He was particularly good at organising the restaurant staff pretty much everywhere we went - this was sometimes beyond the call of duty! Great leader, who contributed to our enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I don't really understand the previous comment by an 'independent traveller' who criticised the fact that the Exodus trip has a leader who did a lot of the organising. This trip was a great introduction to India - and choosing a company like Exodus, paying a bit more, comes with this service. The great thing about being on a group trip is meeting like-minded people and relaxing in the knowledge that someone else is dealing with the logistics of the organising (which was often a challenge, even for Ajay who could speak the language!). It would be very difficult to fit so much in in a country like India in only 2 weeks, that was another reason I chose a company like Exodus. Take pounds sterling with you to exchange, and do not rely on a Mastercard, as most ATMs are Visa. Also - ladies don't have to be so strict with the dress code (the trip notes are a bit misleading); apart from the religious sites, bare arms and legs were seen as acceptable. I was a bit disappointed I had packed to cover up in >35 degree heat!

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