Reviews

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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333 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed October 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Briiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliant.The whole experience was great, we were not dissapointed with anything, the trip notes were accurate and Exodus kept us informed all the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

I guess the most unexpected and uplifting exerience for Kathy and I was the bonding with our fellow walkers, guide Nick, John & Jane, our hosts.The bonding of everybody was a delight, we had so much fun both on and off the walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nick was great, he was very thorough in his preparation of the walks and was attentive to everyones needs.Nicks passion for the wilderness is evident in his manner, he just lives for it. He also has a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it as the saying goes, I celebrated my 60th birthday on the trek and could not have been more at ease, the accomodation was fantastic. Just read the trip notes, they are comprehensive and don't be afraid to ask questions of Exodus if you have any, we found Exodus responded in a timely and professional manner.

Reviewed October 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

The trip exceeded our expectations, the chalet hosts john and janet were amazing , nothing was too muchtrouble and we were spoiled with gourmet meals everyday. The setting was very beautiful and the hot tubwas very special after a days walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a number of inspiring moments, the trip on the cable car to the Accueill de Midi is magnificentit takes you up to 4480 mtrs and is right next to Mont Blanc a truly enchanting exparience, the other highlightsoccured on every walk just being in the Alps and seeing such majestic sights in particular the numerous glaciers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Nick Mortley and he was absolutely first class he had a real depth of knowledge forall things mountain and walking . He lead our group of 14 very well always being sensitive to the needs ofeveryone and getting the pace just right.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is graded as moderate and whilst we coped well it was no less demanding than the trip we did to Mt Toubkal which was graded as challenging i would say make sure you have good fitness because of the amount of ascending and descending each day it can be hard on the knees if they are prone to problemsbut other than that just the usual stuff i.e good boots waterproofs wicking layers and water bottles.

Reviewed October 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

It was really good, I would recommend the trip. I normally do munros in Scotland and thought the walks on this holiday were much easier than that. The paths are generally really good which makes the walking much easier.

Most Inspirational Moment

Weather was a mixed bag, so the best day was when we went to Italy and got good weather so we could see the mountain tops.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader (Nick) was good. I though he took really good care of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take waterproof trousers. Also, I was wondering whether to use boots or trail shoes so I took both. I never used the shoes, I would say that the walks definently need boots.Oh and go up the Aiguille du midi cable car, Its really expensive (about £50 return) but well worth it!

Reviewed October 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Great accommodation and excellent trek.
Well paced and good variety of walking routes.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had pretty poor weather for most of the week. On one of the days we had climbed for 2/3 hours without seeing very much as there was very thick fog. But on our way down the sun came out and through the deep clouds the peak of mount blanc appeared. It was the most beautiful sight - simply breathtaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very good. Lead the group well and allowed us to go at our own pace aswell as keeping together. Had lots of fascinating stories to tell from previous expeditions

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely do it !!!! Will recommend to anyone looking for a bit of a challenge and beautiful scenery

Reviewed October 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This holiday would suit people who have done some mountain walking previously and are willing to fit in as part of a group for a week. A good variety of walks are included, with the option of an extra day unguided. Chalet Chocolat was an excellent base and the standard of food was very good with delicious meals to suit all tastes.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the day we walked in Italy was the most memorable from the journey through the Mont Blanc tunnel to the delicious ice-cream in Courmayeur. Also the trip up to Aiguille du Midi on our rest day was definitely worth doing. We took the cable-car up to the 12602 ft summit and returned to the mid station where we disembarked and walked to the Mer de Glace glacier, taking the tram back down to Chamonix.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon Conroy was an exemplary leader and had just the right amount of interaction with the group, giving us plenty of time to take photos and admire the views. He demonstrated a good knowledge of the area and was totally in control, making us feel confident in his abilities at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend that anyone taking this holiday should be fairly fit and have recent experience in walking in mountains. Walking boots are recommended but I found that trail shoes were totally sufficient for the terrain in September. Walking poles would be most helpful.

Reviewed September 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A thoroughly enjoyable week. The weather was superb,good group, super leader and excellent chalet support.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the Lac Blanc walk. We had lunch on a rock overlooking four glaciers. Aiguille du Midi on the rest day was a highlight and so was the walk from there to the Mer de Glace. And every evening meal was a delight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Super chap. Worked really hard to ensure everyone in the group had walking of the right level with great sensitivity. Knowledgeable and good fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good choice if you are travelling alone, as the format of the chalet holiday provides company. And as almost everything is included, you will not need much spending money. Chamonix is lovely, but full of expensive outdoor clothing shops. A pharmacy and supermarket are 5 mins' walk from the chalet.

Reviewed September 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

We were fortunate with great weather and a great group of fellow walkers. Accommodation was outstanding – we thought we had the best room in the chalet with fantastic views of Mont Blanc . The walk was well paced to our group. We had a fabulous holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the beautiful Lac Blanc after a 950 metre ascent. The days walk in Italy was so varied and beautiful and included the best hot chocolate and best ice cream ever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon gave excellent briefing the night before each walk and clear directions on the day. He tailored made the walks to suit the group which was much appreciated. We enjoyed his sense of humour and felt very safe with him as our leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be as fit as you can be so that you can enjoy the walk. Go for it.

Reviewed September 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This was an "up and down trip" in several ways. It got off to a particularly bad start when one of the group collapsed and died on the first walk. It was an awful time for his daughter who had accompanied him on the trip and naturally impacted on the whole group.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational aspect was without doubt the way in which the whole group and the locals rallied round in an emergency. Luckily, we had a doctor and a nurse within the group, although there was nothing that could be done to save our fellow walker. The helicopter rescue service and local cafe owners all played a part, as did the group members and the Exodus staff, who helped the daughter over the next few days. The general conclusion of the group was that, tragic as the death was, there was something to be said for an instant and painless death on the slopes of the most magnificent mountain in Europe. I already agreed with the Nike slogan, but this event just serves to reinforce the reality that life is fleeting. "Just do it !"

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark was a genial, knowledgeable and experienced guide. He quickly assessed the abilities of the group and made sure that everyone knew what was proposed for each day. He was calm and controlled during the incident described above and instilled confidence in the group as a whole.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All of the walks started with a steep and unrelenting climb for at least a couple of hours. It would be unwise to sign up to this tour without making an effort to get fit beforehand. We followed the advice of John & Jayne and previous reviewers and went to the nearby Hotel Aguille du Midi on the "cooks night off". This restaurant offered several menus including a five course menu at E33 and some decent wines at under E20. The food, the atmosphere and the service were extremely good. If this restaurant were near me, I'd be there every week !On our "day off" we took the cable car up the Aguille du Midi and then traversed to the Mer du Glace and took the train back down to Chamonix. At 3840m the AdM quite literally takes your breath away, with incredible views down the valley and across the Mont Blanc massif. The much diminshed Mer du Glace looked a sad and rather pathetic shadow of the photos on the station wall showing the glacier 100 years ago

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A great introduction to the Mont Blanc region with great accommodation, daily three course meals, great staff, a lovely group, and some stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching a peak everyday gave a great sense of achievement and certainly made the sore legs and bucket of sweat worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark was very laid back and approachable. It wouldn't be right not to mention Jayne and John who ran Chalet Chocolat. Despite all the work they had to do with turn-over time between groups only being a number of hours, they provided varied three course meals and gave the chalet a very homely atmosphere. They were very friendly and willing to help in every way (including an impromptu pick-up from town for some delayed members of the group).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, you really do need the waterproofs. The weather forecast had suggested it would be sunny all week, however it did rain on one day (the whole day) and I was quite glad to have my hat and gloves on that day as well as my waterproof jacket and trousers. On the free day, go up with the cable car to Aiguille du Midi, then take a return trip to the Italian station and back. You'll get wonderful views of Mont Blanc, but more entertaining was seeing all the people out there in their snow gear trekking along. Then take your lunch at Aiguille du Midi station, the canteen isn't very expensive. Then take the cable car back to the halfway point (Plan de l'Aiguille) between and Chamonix. Walk to le Montenvers, then take the train down to Chamonix. This was one of my favourite days. The walking was a little harder than I had expected. I think I read somewhere that a general level of fitness is required and if one was used to weekend walking then this is fine. Although we all made it, it's worth being aware that the ascents are quite steep and at times feel a little unrelenting. There were plenty of breaks, however some practice with walking up mountains before hand might be advantageous.

Reviewed August 2013

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Chalet Chocolat is a great place to return to after an exhilarating day of walking/hiking; the chalet hosts, John & Jayne, did their utmost to make us feel at home and comfortable; the food was fantastic, with different home baking every afternoon. The Alpine walking was hard work at times but the views, flowers, wildlife and company made it all worth while. What a fab (albeit tiring) week!

Most Inspirational Moment

Just before reaching the summit on the last walk (Aiguillette des Houches 2285m), we saw 2 bearded vultures, a wonderful sight.The chalet hosts, John and Jayne could not have been more helpful and welcoming and both of them were happy to answer our questions and queries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anne was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient. She was very patient with me - I was forever stopping to sniff, admire, ask about and photograph the multitude of Alpine flowers and plants along the routes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothing for all weathers and your swimsuit for the hot tub if you are in the Chalet Chocolat. The 39degC water was excellent for the aching legs and feet after a long day on the hill! It's a long day and be prepared for long, steady ascents.For a fantastic dinner on your free day, try the Aiguille du Midi Hotel restaurant - excellent food, staff and ambience. Do take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, get there early to avoid long queueing. It's wonderful at the top.

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