Reviews

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

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14217 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

Phenomenal. A challenge for mind and body. Focussed my thoughts on the day, the surroundings and the bike. Leadership superb, back up outstanding, hotels wonderful and colours and smells of India, will linger!

Most Inspirational Moment

There are no special moments...all of it. Getting the bikes in Delhi and trying them out...the overnight train and a tray of curries to try not to drop on one's clothes...the hotel in Jodphur and the pool. Meeting the group...going on the road and encountering my first roundabout...help. Temples and forts, and birds in the Keolodar Park were outstanding and we saw the tiger at Sarista! Rough tracks thru villages, avoiding camels, and water buffalo, and the hardest, daredevel school kids with naughty sticks to smash ones behind! Meals out, in Udaipur...dancng in the bus on way back to hotel. Everything about the trip was astonishingly good, even when my mobile was stolen from hotel room in Jaipur I got so much help from our bike guide Pramod, phoning UK etc. As a past trek leader, I know what to look for in trips, and this was simply outstandingly well led. Sanjay was our group leader, and Pramod our bike guide...they thought of everything...always looking ahead. The steady chai stops on the 94 km day made it seem easy...the non stop bananas and water and oranges helped us all along, but mainly it was everything. Even the day at the Taj, end of day...when light was good. I simply cannot enthuse enough, and looking for next one....I heard that P Burrell was responsible for the route...I wondered how it had been recce'd. It was amazing, leading us into rural rough tracks and potholes and onto highways...with the bus always on hand when it got to over 38 deg. Where am I going next?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sanjay and Pramod were quite simply outstandingly good. Always punctual, always ready to help, or advise re food or biking, Pramod was a bird expert which I enjoyed as am into birds...he knew each bird by its call! Sanjoy kept up untiring willlingness to offer extras, at the end of a long day, by arranging a meal out, and we tried all sorts of things at roadside chai stalls...He took us to a marble factory, yet biked into smart hotels and nice hotels.. These two worked so well together, having known one another for a while....not assertive, but quietly managing it all so it worked like clockwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It may be moderate...I am not young...but bike fairly frequently, but no more than 16, 20 miles...on mountain bike, but found it fine, but it would not be good if one did not have some bike experience..at no time did I feel I could just dawdle along....BUT JUST GO and ENJOY the ride!!!!! Marvellous..opens doors.

Reviewed April 2012

WALKING IN NORTH CYPRUS

A really good trip in terms of combining sightseeing and walking. Some great scenery and a genuinely beautiful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from, but particular highlights for me included St Hilarion Castle and Kyrenia Castle as well as a look around Kyrenia itself, which is a picturesque harbour town, and Buffavento Castle. The ancient city of Salamis and historical city of Famagusta also made for a good day out and I enjoyed a trip over to the Karpaz Peninsula and its unspoilt expanse of beach with great views of the ocean.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Ros was excellent. Very knowledgeable of the history of the area and gave us plenty of time to take in the scenery and look around many of the historical sights included on this tour. Good at communicating the options available to us and co-ordinating other matters such as assisting with restaurant bookings etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A definite one to consider if you are looking for relatively undemanding walking (in the main, with a few ascents up to castles/monuments which require some light exertion) combined with plenty of good sightseeing and historical interest. If on the other hand you want a trip where you come back each evening feeling that you have pushed yourself physically (not in a bad way, but you know you have been on a long trek) then this trip will not fit the bill.

Reviewed April 2012

SPICE TRAILS OF KERALA

This holiday was a brilliant introduction to India – very little hassle except in the more touristy places like Fort Cochin, on the contrary we were welcomed by lovely friendly and smiling people. The trip was a great balance between walking in the hills and camping –with the best food ever! and sightseeing by coach and on foot, when we stayed in some excellent hotels. We learnt so much about life and culture in Kerala – and it wasn’t too hot!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved walking in the hills through the lemon grass, where we had amazing views; canoeing through the coir-producing village on the coast; and capturing the atmosphere in the Hindu shrines while trying to understand what is going on!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great fun and very professional, always in control and there when we needed him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We found we needed quite a range of clothes, moving from high ground with chilly nights to the hot and humid coast. There were almost no opportunities for swimming. We found bottled water is easily available so purifying tablets are not really needed. We managed to get cash more easily than we expected and didn't spend so much as food is very cheap. We had poor or non-existent mobile phone signals.

Reviewed April 2012

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

A wonderful holiday in an unspoilt part of Greece. The walks were as described in the brochure of varying lengths between 8 and 15 miles. The Galaxy hotel was simple but welcoming and had everything that I needed. It was lovely to have a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. My room and the rooms of the others in the party faced the sea which meant I could sit on the balcony and watch the fishing boats.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Peaks of Mount OchiSwimming in the sea after the gorge walkThe lovely lunchesTasting a variety of Greek startersSitting drinking beer outside the local tavernas after a day's walkThe ancient ruinsThe mountain flowers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was friendly and well organised and took great care of all of us. He was passionate about the island on which he grew up and delighted in telling us facts and stories.Everyday at precisely the right moment Thanos would produce a bakery box full of delicious biscuits or pastries which was appreciated by everyone in the group.Thanos chose some great places to eat and he continued to entertain us at dinner with his anecdotes. I particularly enjoyed the great range of starters. The food was great for vegetarians.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was hot during the day in April but cool in the evening so take something to keep you warm in the eveningThere is free WiFi in the lobby and you can use the reception computer. Useful for doing online checking in and printing your boarding passThe rooms have tea and coffee making facilities with tea, coffee and biscuitsThe room has a fridgeTowels are changed daily and can be used to take out for swimmingThe museum is small but worth a look on your free dayThe beaches have stones so water shoes are really useful on swimming daysHairdryers are available from receptionThe ferry leaves Rafina at 9pm so you really need to have your evening meal in Rafina on the Sunday evening.Agean Airlines provides a hot meal and free drinks including wine. Remember to book your vegetarian meal at least 24 hours in advance.

Reviewed April 2012

PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

This was a really good week. Although very early in the season it was great walking but there were only four of us in the group. The scenery is spectacular and would be even better in the finer months. The hotel is great and Pilar and Jim excellant hosts who go out of their way to help.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the picos in their winter garb glistening in the sunshine. Spotting a chamois on the final day. The eagles, vultures and kites soaring overhead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pilar lead us for the week and was great - she is clearly devoted to the area and loves it greatly and this came across. She was great company and offered lots of local information.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As usual I found my walking poles very helpful. The food in the hotel is great for vegetarians. The packed lunches substantial to say the least! Worth checking with exodus about group size - we had only four but this did work very well and I had a relaxing week.

Reviewed April 2012

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

Fabulous week of walking in the Spanish mountains – a few tough hills but nothing too difficult. Great for clearing the head, getting away from it all and a good dose of winter sunshine into the bargain. What a beautiful part of Spain too, that I never knew about.

Most Inspirational Moment

I wouldn't classify this trip as particularly inspirational, but it was wonderful nevertheless, and the views every day were stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I'd rate Jose Miguel right up there with the best leaders I've met. Sociable, outgoing, well organised, and very caring, he maintained a very good balance between efficient leader and friend - something that can be very difficult to get right. I never saw him once get flustered or frustrated, no matter what kind of problem we threw at him! He would often produce little surprises from his Tardis of a rucksack, such as a thermos of tea or a bar of chocolate, just when we most needed them, and his sandwiches were the best I've ever had on an Exodus trip. As I've come to expect from Exodus guides, he was also passionate about his job, the local area and the environment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can be quite changeable, so do go for a few thin layers and some kind of windproof top. Take walking poles, even if you've never used them before, unless you are a true mountain goat. On the slippery descents, if nothing else, they can really save you coming a cropper. This trip would actually be a good place to try them out for the first time. Also do make sure you have a decent level of fitness, it's a pretty tough week with some long days of walking. Also many people had blisters at some point so come well prepared - well-worn in decent boots, plenty of tape, blister plasters and make sure to protect your feet sooner rather than later. Applying Vaseline to your feet every day before putting your socks on really helps too.

Reviewed April 2012

A TASTE OF CUBA

A fabulous experience in a warm climate with friendly Cubans, led by an expert guide and in the company of really interesting and fun fellow travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most fun was learning to make a mojito and then dancing the salsa.The whole trip was inspirational in that it gave us an understanding of life in today's Cuba.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Humberto was fantastic; knowledgeable and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We extended this visit by a week staying in hotels and casas particulares in a couple of locations. It was really beneficial for us to have got used to travelling within Cuba by taking part in the Exodus trip and we also started our independent travelling with a much better understanding of the country. It did help that one of us could speak basic Spanish. In Cuba buses run on time. We felt totally safe wandering round in Cuba even at night, there is very little crime against tourists.

Reviewed April 2012

Incredible India

This is my 3rd cycling holiday with Exodus and once again a fantastic experience, this trip we managed to fill the whole trip with friends who loved every minute of it, we are busy planning our next cycling trip with Exodus already.

Most Inspirational Moment

As always these trips are so well organised, the tour leader and back up staff go out of their way to help and assist you, nothing is ever too much trouble. I just loved all the cycling through the back roads off the beaten tracks, stunning scenery with the ocean on one side. The climb up Ooty was probably the most talked about subject on the trip - probably the hardest thing a few of us had done but at the same time manageable even if you have to walk part of the climb. I have to say the accommodation on this trip was outstanding especially the houseboat! And of course the food - just way too much! Don't expect to lose weight on this trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was brilliant, always willing to assist and part with information. The 2 support guys were amazing too. Such nice guys. Always a smile on their faces.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I do think you need to have some bike skills for this trip, cycling in the traffic can be a little daunting at times, luckily not too much of it. If you feeling insecure rather pull over and wait for the large vehicle to overtake you - the pecking order is alive and well in India. A level of fitness is obviously necessary, the first week is probably the hardest week, the 2nd week is mostly dead flat. If you plan on waiting at the top of the Ooty climb for all the party to arrive perhaps put a space blanket or light jacket in your pocket, we had more than 2 hours to wait at the rest stop and were quite cold waiting for the others to arrive. Cold in India, yes we did feel cold! Apart from Ooty is is HOT HOT HOT and HUMID!The kitty works well - covers all the extras apart from alcohol, for 2 weeks you dont even have to think, everything is taken care of for you. Outstanding.

Reviewed April 2012

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

A week in the snow isn’t for everyone but if your even considering this trip i’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it. You get "taster sessions" of a few activities which is great if you haven’t done these before. The one drawback is that without signing up for "optional activities", which are pretty expensive and in some cases very poor value for money, you get far too much free time in a place where there are a limited number of things to do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Normally I would say the dog sledding which was just great but on our trip we were very lucky with the northern light's seeing them five night's out of seven with a tremendous display one night. This was without doubt the highlight of the week, Henri put the show in his all time top five!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri was great, cheerful, helpful and informative and all in good english!

Advice for Potential Travellers

They issue you with all the clothing you need for the outdoors so you can probably leave some of the things you were going to bring at home, the only exception in my opinion is headgear which you can never have too much of.

Reviewed April 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A fantastic week with a great group. Although Petra was the highlight, Wadi Rum came a close second. Having two full days to explore Petra was just right, and although I wasn’t sure about my first sight of the Treasury being by candlelight after a long day of travelling and swimming in the Dead Sea, with hindsight I’m glad we did it that way round. I certainly wouldn’t have been up to another walk up and down the Siq on the final evening after two hard days of walking and climbing. I particularly liked the way we were given a very informative guided tour of each attraction and then allowed plenty of time to explore by ourselves.The Jordanian people were particularly welcoming and friendly.

Most Inspirational Moment

That first glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq at Petra has to be my first choice, but the vast silence of Wadi Rum cmes a close second.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khaled is a wonderful leader. Nothing was too much trouble, and his considerable knowledge combined with unfailing good humour ensured we never suffered from information overload. He was always there to answer the million questions we threw at him, and was equally willing to help with problems and queries beyond what I would expect from a holiday guide. A truly inspirational leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Collect small change in coins at every opportunity. There are lavatory attendants at all tourist attractions (many handing out loo paper to each individual customer) who expect to be tipped. Calls of nature can become expensive when you have to hand out a 1 dinar note, roughly the equivelant of £1 each time you only want to spend a penny. Take flipflops or crocs for the Dead Sea -- the sand is very sharp and crunchy, even under water. Check the weather forecast for Jordan before final packing. I left a warm and sunny London in early March to find snow piled in the streets of Amman. It was unusual weather for the time of year, but luckily, I had warm and waterproof clothing. Three days later, we were swimming in the warm waters of the Dead Sea and sunbathing on the beach.

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