Thoughts on Group Leader
He was always ready and willing to support us.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Treasures of Morocco Premium Adventures
Although we experienced an earthquake it was handled very well by our tour guide, Hassain. He made sure we were safe and it didn’t affect our trip too much.
Hard Work
Hard ups, scary downs and hard off-road sections.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader (Giovanni) was very good, very welcoming and a source of a lot of local information. However, his estimations of how long to this point or that were a bit loose (aka totally unreliable). There was a driver (Simone) who guided the cycling some days, and he was also very good, lots of local knowledge and way more realistic about distances.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you don't like descending, don't forget that what goes up hairpin bends must come down hairpin bends. The grading of moderate is applied to the whole trip, but some of the days were way beyond moderate in terms of long ascents. The description of the surfaces as "10 percent easy gravel roads" is so far off the truth - steep in places and very bumpy with large chunks of rock is more like it. Nothing I would describe as an easy gravel road. If you are not sure about the climbing I'd suggest getting an e-bike. I had one and although they are VERY heavy it made going up a pleasure.
Cinque Terre and Portofino
I loved this trip, the scenery was stunning and definitely worth the hike up to get the best views. The Piccolo Hotel was situated about 50 yards from the Beach which was great for when we got back and could pop in for a quick swim and to ease to achy legs. Not forgetting the daily Gelato. My only criticism was I felt my room was very basic, it was also dark, the air conditioning only worked when the windows and shutters were closed. Unfortunately no natural daylight which was a shame as there were some lovely rooms. I had paid £400 for the single room supplement, I wouldn’t have been happy having to share with someone. On the upside the breakfasts were amazing, plenty of choice.
Most Inspirational Moment
Next to the last day when we covered the last two Cinque Terre. We had a scramble up hill to get to the top to have the most amazing views. It was definitely challenging and I am pleased to say that all our group managed to complete it. Sense of achievement at the top was amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Miki was amazing, what else can I say, she gave us options every day and explained everything in great detail, she has amazing knowledge. Miki also said that this group was the only one ever when everybody completed the hard scramble.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ensure you are fit enough, make sure you have all correct clothing especially walking boots and poles, someone on our group went out to buy new trainers as didn’t have walking boots. Most of all enjoy yourself have fun, go and jump in the sea. It was very hot when we were there 29/30 degrees. On our rest day quite a number of us opted to spend on sun loungers on the beach, it was brilliant.
Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs
I was particularly impressed with the way we were greeted in both Jordan and Egypt as we got off the plane by a local person who shepherded us through security, customs, visas and on to the waiting bus. For the first time we added an extra day either end which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Most Inspirational Moment
If I have to chose, for Jordan the day in Petra and the time in Wadi Rum. For Egypt the pyramids, our time in the Nubian lodge and Abu Simbel temple. Also a couple of hours tacking North up the Nile on the sail boat. That was so peaceful. Also Luxor Temple by night was special. Experiencing the shear size of the monuments and sites helps understand the magnificent achievements of builders and engineers in their construction
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both leaders had a very good sense of humour
Canadian Rockies: Reverse Calgary to Vancouver
Well organised, guide excellent and organised so much more than I was expecting eg hikes, was enthusiastic, inclusive of everyone in the group and was instrumental in forming a good group dynamic
Most Inspirational Moment
Whitewater rafting, mountain hills, lakes and waterfalls, canoeing
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great, central to making this an excellent trip. Organised so much more than expected, remained calm at all times, central to bringing group together, inclusive of all.
Interesting, entertaining and sporty way to see Transylvania
Overall a brilliant and interesting trip. We felt like we had seen and learnt so much about the countryside, the culture and the history. Some great cycling, definitely need to be reasonably fit but nothing we couldn’t manage. Fabulous views, varied countryside, we really got an idea of the area. Accommodation definitely basic but clean, showers worked and comfy beds. Excellent food really loved it all. Friendly people who were enthusiastic about their locality and customs. The cultural visits in between the cycling were excellent. Our guides Christina and Radu were brilliant, very knowledgeable and always willing to share their information, always helpful and smiley! Great lunchtime picnics!
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling on the quieter lanes through the countryside.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Christina and Radu were both brilliant, they were a key part of making the trip exceptional. Christina cycled with us and organised the cultural visits, her knowledge was excellent, she was super patient, always enthusiastic, and the perfect host. Radu drove the van and gave technical support, again very knowledgeable and interesting on the more recent romanian history. Again always sociable and helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are on a push bike do get fit. Take your own toe clips/cycling pedal straps as the bikes don't have any sort of toe clips. Easier than taking your own pedals which is fine if you can be bothered but for the type of cycling I think pedal straps would be useful. Take your own water bottle.
A brilliant week
We had a great week at Chalet Chocolat. Tomas and Sol were great hosts catering to a variety of dietary needs with minimal fuss. I enjoyed some meals more than others but that is to be expected. I loved the honesty bar and the social occasion that dinner became. The weather Gods were not smiling on us so we only had 3 days where I would say we had good weather however this was not to the detriment of our hiking experience but come prepared for 4 seasons in a day, even in the height of summer.
Most Inspirational Moment
Finally getting to see Mont Blanc towards the end of the week. We were joking that perhaps it didn’t actually exist!! Our trip coincided with UTMB and as an ultra trail fan I was in my element. It was good that the rest of the group also became avid supporters which culminated in us all cheering the runners on at the 2 mile point of the main race outside the local pub. Just brilliant!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rob was an exceptional leader and despite varying abilities kept the whole group together all week something I found out was less likely than I thought it would be. He tweaked routes according to the conditions although I never felt we were missing out. Some of his times and distances were a bit on the conservative side and became a running joke which was taken in good humour by everyone.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take enough clothes for all weathers. There are no washing facilities at the chalet so bear that in mind.
David and Maureen review
This was an enjoyable holiday, despite several disappointing issues. Good: The places visited were splendid; our guide, Mila, was excellent; and the members of our group were great company. Bad: The hotel (3 nts) in Korcula was awful. The hotel in Dubrovnik (3 nts) also had problems.
Most Inspirational Moment
The places visited were splendid, for the scenery and sights of Dalmatia, which neither of us had seen before, are wonderful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide, Mila, worked very hard all week to make our holiday a success. Her commitment could not be faulted.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure the hotels have been vetted properly by Exodus if you can.
Reply from Exodus
We are really grateful for David and Maureen’s review, and are glad that they enjoyed this trip and the sites they visited in Croatia, and that they were happy with their tour leader, Mila.
We are, however, very sorry to hear that they were disappointed with the hotels the group stayed at on this tour. We have been using the hotel in Lumbarda, Korcula for several years and have previously found it to be a pleasant, comfortable family-run hotel with a lovely location, which has received positive feedback from our groups in the past. A member of the Exodus team joined David and Maureen’s departure and did note that the property is looking a little tired at present, though. In Dubrovnik, we were looking to try a different property from our usual hotel, which we felt was well situated closer to the old town, which is the main attraction of our stay in the city. We have taken the issues that David and Maureen mention on board, and can confirm that we are reviewing these hotels and considering using different properties for departures of this trip in the upcoming holiday season.
We hope that this can show that we are taking David and Maureen’s concerns seriously and that we are proactive in sending our team members to regularly review our trips, in order to improve customer experience going forward. We very much hope that the rest of their holiday exceeded their expectations and that David and Maureen have some wonderful memories of Croatia overall.
– The Exodus Product Team
The Beautiful walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
We have only very recently returned from the Exodus Adventure Holiday ‘Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino’ We had the most wonderful time exploring the stunning coast line and beautiful villages in this UNESCO World Heritage region. Using the excellent and efficient Italian train service we were able to access the start of each days walk. We climbed, and we descended through the steep hills and promontories that are the feature of this coast line, and go someway to preserving its unspoilt beauty. It was a hot week, but all of the walks were perfectly paced to meet all of the group needs, and expertly led by our wonderful guide. The History and geography of the area was explained to us as we went. The Cinque Terre villages revealed themselves through tantalising glimpses from upon high before we finally descended into their charming hearts. For anyone wanting to experience this stunning area of Italy, then this holiday is the perfect presentation. Exodus continue to deliver experiences to cherish for a lifetime.
Most Inspirational Moment
There is always a great sense of satisfaction and pride in completing a walk. It can seem a challenge, but the prizes both on the walk, and particularly and the inevitable spectacular conclusion is always worth the effort. Just soaking up the village life, a well earned 'cold beer', or a dip in the green/blue sea is always a treat and worthy reward. Shady spots under the canopy of trees and beautiful, magnificent churches provided rest bite from the heat and inspiration and awe in equal measure. We fell in love with the 'base camp' small town of Mongolia and the Hotel Piccolo. The Hotel, family run and personal, only a few steps away from the beach, making a early morning swim before breakfast a real treat.
Thoughts on Group Leader
In Michaela we were so blessed. She was the perfect guide and companion. Let's start with the basics, she was efficient, organised, knowledgable, informative, patient, hard working. So, in terms of meeting the job specification, absolutely first class. Now the real Michaela, lovely, friendly, witty, personable, enthusiastic, encouraging, fascinating. We had a lovely group of people on the trip, but the absolute star was Michaela. Fantastic spoken English, she took great delight in expanding our rudimentary Italian with daily lessons and tests at the end of the day. She loved our sense of humour and gentle teasing. She gave so much more than was expected and brought great joy. Please pass on my thanks and fond wishes to Micky.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Come with good walking shoes, plenty of water, your camera, your swimming costumes, and open mind and a good appetite.
Cycling Girona and the Catalan Coast
The trip was excellent from start to finish.
Most Inspirational Moment
2 nights in Calella de Palafrugell, the cycling using cycle lanes, the food, the variety of scenery throughout.