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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14236 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Jon Treharne
Reviewed September 2023
Valerie - An exceptional leader in Ladakh
An excellent trip led by an excellent and extremely knowledgeable leader. In country guides and staff were all excellent. Some good challenging trekking at altitude making this a great trip if you wish to extend your achievements at altitude.
Most Inspirational Moment
Summiting Dzo Jungo with Valerie Parkinson and the guide and horsemen who accompanied the group
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding - no words are powerful enough to compliment her leadership, knowledge and compassion. I would highly recommend this trip led by this truly exceptional mountaineering leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take the right kit - as itemised on the kit list. Prepare well, in terms of fitness and strength work and take the advice given by the Leader and guide
John Wood
Reviewed September 2023
Brilliant guide, amazing scenery
I’d hiked in the Chamonix area before, so I knew it would be stunning, but the variety of incredible scenery as we went round to the Swiss and Italian sides exceeded my expectations. The weather was extreme – 35 degrees for the first few days, then rain and finally sleet, snow and full-on winter conditions – don’t ignore the trip notes advice on clothing! Our guide, Mike Napier, was exceptional, managing the group with expertise and humour throughout.
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the circuit, which I'd first started (but failed to finish) 40 years ago.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mike was probably the best leader I've had on any trek. Always good company with plenty of jokes, he took full control when it got tricky in the snow and ice and got us all down safely.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it!
Aneesa Dalwai
Reviewed September 2023
Only in Madagascar, a real adventure!
I’ve wanted to visit Madagascar for some time, mainly to see the lemurs and to visit the giant baobab trees, but there is so much more to Madagascar, it has to be one of the most amazing and unique places I have ever travelled to! Everyday there was something new and exciting to experience. This is a fast-paced trip and you are always on the move, with quite a lot of long drives on poor roads, but I have to say it’s totally worth it, you just have to embrace it as part of the adventure. Even during the long drives the landscape is constantly changing, we travelled through cool rainforests, paddy fields, sandy beaches, canyons, deserts, spiny forests, rivers, and some really the fascinating towns and villages.
Most Inspirational Moment
We had great wildlife spotting - lots of opportunities to see lemurs in the wild and hearing the call of the Indri in the morning in Andasibe is just magical. So many highlights! The night walk in Kirindy was my favourite of the night safaris, and getting to the top of the Tsingy, was an unexpected yet terrifying highlight! The most unique though has to be the ‘ferry’ crossings on the Tsiribihina River – only in Madagascar!
Thoughts on Group Leader
The whole trip ran smoothly thanks to Claudia, our fabulous guide, who spent most of the trip checking ahead to make sure that everything was organised for us. She always kept us informed of all aspects of our itinerary and managed everything so that we didn’t waste time, particularly when ordering meals, wearing the right clothes for each activity, finding us good shopping spots (and bush toilet stops). She is also very knowledgeable about the country’s history, wildlife, food and we all enjoyed her talks on the Malagasy culture - which is also quite unique! Also all the local guides were fantastic and very engaging, they gave great detail and interesting explanations especially of the endemic wildlife, only to be found here. We had some amazing trackers seeking out lemurs, chameleons, mongoose and the tiniest of geckos and frogs. I was travelling with my sister and we both felt we had a great group too, lots of fun, like-minded people, who really added to enjoyment of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes thoroughly as they are full of really useful tips and information! My own top tips – definitely do laundry on two-night stopovers – everything gets very dusty! A travel pillow is doubly useful for both bus and flights! Make sure you take a head-torch for the night and cave walks. Stock up on snacks for long drives and I also recommend trying the local beers and infused rums! If you want five-star accommodation and amazing cuisine, this is not the trip for you. You’ll get a comfy bed and (generally) hot water, sometimes limited wi-fi and electricity, a limited (but cheap) menu of well-cooked meals of zebu/chicken/fish and rice.
D R
Reviewed September 2023
Amazing trip
What an amazing trip. Starting with the chalet and our amazing hosts – the accommodation was beautiful and comfortable, and nothing was too much trouble for Helena and Adrian. Every meal was special, healthy and delicious. For me and the other vegan on the trip, they went to a huge amount of effort, and even provided vegan cheeses for breakfast and prepared vegan cakes and other treats for the end of each hiking day. One of my souvenirs from the trip is one of Helena’s vegan cake recipes. So if you are vegan and wondering about this trip: it is definitely vegan friendly! Our three course dinners were always delicious and inventive. It was such a pleasure to cap off an extraordinary day on the alps with their hospitality and delicious food. And speaking of the hikes: the pictures in the hike preview are extraordinary, but are not misleading. The views on the hikes were really stunning. Our mountain guide, Hris, was fantastic. He was personable, knowledgeable, and did a great job leading a group of mixed abilities and interests.
Sue Clark
Reviewed September 2023
Wonderful walking in the spectacular Dolomites!
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip! Beautiful scenery, great variety of walks, lovely hotel, great, knowledgeable leader and a lovely group to share the experience with!
Most Inspirational Moment
We loved the early morning sunrise walk to the Tres Cimes de Lavaredo - walking in the moonlight was magical. We had the place to ourselves and could watch as the sunlight transformed the landscape - thank you Jeff for suggesting and organising this! It also meant that as most people were making their way up, we were on our way down! We also really enjoyed the climb up Mount Piana and wondering around the remains of the WW1 trenches - spectacular!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jeff was a wonderful leader. Helpful, enthusiastic, kind, organised and willing to share his knowledge. He was always willing to go that extra mile!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you have a reasonable level of fitness - go on this tour! Take some walking poles - I found them a great help. Take lots of layers as the weather is always changing!
Kay b
Reviewed September 2023
A wonderful first time in Europe
My stay at Chalet Chalupa was absolutely wonderful. The rooms were spacious, well-lit, and comfortable. The common areas were always clean and ready to use, and they even provided fresh fruit and tea every day. Helena and Adrien were simply the best hosts. They were attentive, always with a smile on their faces, and they surprised me with delicious special meals tailored to my dietary needs – they even had a different type of bread for me due to my health issues. It was the first time my diet didn’t pose a problem, and I could truly savor the delicious food. Adrien was friendly and provided us with a lot of information for our free day, enjoying helping us with the map and offering extra insights during our car ride. He genuinely has a wealth of knowledge about the area and enjoys sharing it. Helena, on the other hand, is a naturally pleasant person. She is sweet, cheerful, detail-oriented, and very intelligent. Our conversations were truly inspiring, and her cakes were simply delightful. In general the food overall was a pleasant surprise. Eugenia, our guide, is a strong, knowledgeable woman who expertly handled our large group.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were plenty of enjoyable moments. The views of Mont Blanc were breathtaking. Being able to finish the route alongside the group, despite our vastly different ages, was quite heartwarming. The conversations with Helena gave me the strength to keep up with the hikes and to believe in my abilities.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She's a sharp woman, with plenty of physical prowess, and she's got the knack for keeping the group united.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy the hikes fearlessly, pack some warm clothes in your suitcase (the weather can be quite unpredictable), and make sure to spend some time with the hosts to learn about them and their amazing bike journey.
Linsey Miller
Reviewed September 2023
Fabulous trip to Mongolia!
This was a great trip to Mongolia, somewhere I have wanted to visit for a long time and it didn’t disappoint. The trip encompassed both the steppes and the Gobi, photos of which don’t seem to do the country justice! The Ger camps were great fun, and visiting the nomad families gave a fascinating insight and understanding into a completely different way of life.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting the sand dunes on the Gobi desert. Not an easy climb, but once at the top of the dunes as the sun begins to set, you get a sense of the scale and peacefulness of the Gobi, and a landscape which is like nowhere else I've ever been.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent - Mars was a fabulous ambassador for his country and took good care of us!
Advice for Potential Travellers
There are some very long drives on this trip, and whilst they give you a chance to look at the changing landscapes, they are mostly off road and very bumpy- so I'd advise some travel sickness tablets if you suffer from this! The Ger camps were great and really made the trip - just be aware that electricity supply can be a little erratic in some of the more remote camps, so power banks are useful. And definitely take a torch!! Outside of Ulaanbaatar, there is very little in the way of WiFi or phone signal, and there are no tvs or computers at the camps. Personally I loved this and it meant I simply focused on the trip - but its something to be aware of if you like to keep in touch with what's happening back home! There is some downtime during the trip at the camps, so it's a good idea to take a book (and in our case we all became avid card players in the evenings!)
William Pearson
Reviewed September 2023
Amalfi 26Aug23
This was our 20th Exodus trip and one of the best run. We would place Veriano with Gum in Nepal, Martin Gray in Antarctica and Sarah in Tuscany as the best leaders.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the top of Vesuvius.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Veriano was an excellent leader. He juggled the itinerary to suit the weather forecast. He managed to find us shelter when it rained. He accommodated all our requests. He did it all with humour and patience. He had an excellent knowledge of the area and was keen for us to love it as he does. He is a very nice young man.
Jane Neville
Reviewed September 2023
What a week!
We had a fabulous week in Chalet Chocolat, Chamonix. Tommy and Sol were friendly and welcoming Chalet hosts, the Chalet was well designed for our use and very comfortable. The walks were truly memorable – made so by our knowledgeable and encouraging guide Rob.It was an added bonus to be there for the UTMB – the Ultra Trailrunning Mont Blanc week. Rob made sure that we could watch the best bits and Chamonix was a real party place to be there then.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to judge - it was all good.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very impressed with his knowledge and ability to lead a group with quite a variety of walking speeds. Very encouraging when it was needed and always there if you had a wobbly moment.
Samuel Ganta
Reviewed September 2023
Memorable Egyptian Family Adventure
We recently embarked on the Egyptian Family Adventure with our two children, aged 10 and 13. Our guide, Sayeed, truly stood out – he was not only friendly but also exceptionally knowledgeable and impressively organized. From the moment we were picked up at the airport, Sayeed efficiently managed hotel check-ins and all our excursions, making the entire trip stress-free. The itinerary unfolded seamlessly, taking us from the bustling streets of Cairo to the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx, perched on the desert’s edge, creating a captivating contrast between ancient and modern Egypt. These pyramids, with a history spanning thousands of years, are a testament to the remarkable ingenuity of their builders. Remarkably, the Great Pyramid, the largest among them, stands as the sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. In the afternoons, we had leisure time to unwind at our hotel, explore Cairo, or delve into the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the astonishing golden riches from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Sayeed’s advice to rise early for visits to the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple was spot on. We also explored the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and were treated to an evening light show at Karnak Temple, which vividly retells the dramatic history of ancient Thebes. Our journey concluded in Hurghada, a lively coastal resort perfectly situated for sea-based and desert adventures. After a midday meal, we embarked on a semi-submersible vessel resembling a yellow submarine, offering us a glimpse into the captivating underwater world of the Red Sea’s coral area. Snorkeling was also on the agenda, allowing us to explore the underwater beauty before returning to solid ground. Overall, our trip was a remarkable experience, thanks to Sayeed’s expert guidance and the meticulously planned itinerary. The Highlights: Our exploration of Egypt was a remarkable opportunity to discover many of the country’s iconic attractions. With knowledgeable and responsible guides, the trip was impeccably organized, making it particularly family-friendly. Egypt’s rich history and culture left a profound impression on us, making our overall experience truly exceptional. Accommodations and Transportation: The quality of our accommodations was commendable. This charming destination, characterized by its captivating allure and privileged location, boasted impeccable service overseen by a capable management team. The highlight was undoubtedly the expansive swimming pool, perfect for relaxation. The culinary offerings were equally exceptional, providing a delightful dining experience. The hotels consistently maintained a high standard of quality and demonstrated a strong commitment to respect and courtesy. Optional Tours and Additional Costs: It’s important to note that most of the tours in the itinerary are optional, not mandatory. This means that to fully immerse yourself in the experience, you’ll need to budget extra funds. Regrettably, the cost of these optional trips can feel disproportionate to the face value of the entry tickets to the sites visited. While independent organization is possible, it may not always be straightforward. In conclusion, the Egyptian Family Adventure provides an incredible opportunity to explore Egypt’s treasures and immerse yourself in its history and culture. It’s well-organized and family-friendly. However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations regarding budgeting for optional tours and additional costs. Despite these considerations, our overall experience in Egypt was unforgettable, and we are actively considering another Exodus family adventure holiday for 2024. We extend our gratitude to Exodus for facilitating this enriching journey through Egypt.
Most Inspirational Moment
Exploring the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, Camel Ride and Submarine on the Red Sea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Group Leader was an exceptional and highly competent guide. Sayeed was friendly, knowledgeable, and incredibly organized, which are all essential qualities for a tour guide. His ability to efficiently handle various aspects of the trip, from airport pickups to hotel check-ins and excursions, contributed to a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the travellers. Additionally, his valuable recommendations, such as visiting popular sites early in the morning, added to the overall satisfaction of the journey. Overall, Sayeed's professionalism and expertise played a significant role in making the trip memorable and successful for the travellers.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Egypt is rich in history and culture, so take the time to immerse yourself in the local heritage, visit museums, and learn about the fascinating history of the country. Be prepared for optional tours that may not be included in the initial cost of the trip. Factor in additional expenses for these tours if you want to fully explore the destination. Set realistic expectations for accommodations. Understand that local star ratings might differ from those in Europe, and be open to the local standard. In Hurghada, take advantage of water activities like snorkelling. It's a great way to explore the underwater world of the Red Sea.
