Reviews

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

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61 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Larry Meyers

Reviewed September 2017

An Amazing Trip From Start To Finish

I knew from the moment I arrived in Chamonix and saw the mountains and its glaciers that I had found the right adventure. Here was a chance to do one of the most acclaimed walks and the trip lived up to its billing. One can read about the walk and its vistas but nothing really prepares you for actually being part of it. I enjoyed the challenge of the walk, my fellow travelers and the quality of the lodging (OK, maybe not walking down the hall to the w/c in the middle of the night at our auberge stays–but a heck of a lot better than tenting). I enjoyed the evening meals and the variety of the cuisine. Overall the food was good and the huts offered a nice supplement to our sandwich lunch fare. The huts were a new experience and each one was unique from the food offered, to the hot chocolate to the w/c’s.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the clouds part to reveal a new mountain with its glaciers. Experiencing a cloudless day in Chamonix at the end of the trip. Cheering on over 2000 participants in the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) as they pass you on the trail after having run through the night only to later realize that the leaders completed in hours which took us days. To be part of a group lead by Jeff.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have done dozens of trips that required a guide. I can only recall a few of their names. In my mind there will always be an association between the Tour du Mont Blanc and our guide Jeff. To quote a walker who did the trip with Jeff earlier this summer "..he was fantastic..professional, intelligent, engaging, fun, friendly, safety conscious and very caring towards his clients." It is not easy leading a group of 14 hikers with various skill levels and insuring they stay together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

First and foremost this is a group hike. You are part of a team whose goal is for all to complete the Tour and to enjoy their experience on the trail. Do not underestimate the need to do a good amount of walking before the trip. Focus on distance yes, an of course climbing. Include going down steep hills and plenty of steps. Insure your feet are in good shape. Figure out the right weight and sock combination before the trip. The trail conditions vary and it is important to have plenty of tread on your hiking boots. Things I found helpful: my own bar of soap; spare bootlaces; a travel clothesline for in room washing; lotions for the feet after the day's walk; good pair of sandals as your hiking boots are not allowed in the auberges and in some hotels and finally--earplugs. (Laundromats could be found near the Hotel Richemond in Chamonix and the Hotel Val Joly in St Gervais {Day 10 & 11}).

John Sprout

Reviewed September 2017

Trek of Treks

I did this exact same trip with Exodus in 2010. I loved it so much, I did it again in 2017! And again, the Alps were stunning, exhilarating and life-affirming. Every day brings you a new view of green-carpeted mountains and clangy-bell cows (or goats), snow-capped peaks, massive winding glaciers, fresh-scented larch forests, and breathtaking views up and down. The hotel and restaurant people were friendly and generous with their servings and their service. I could do this again.. and again… I’ve hiked hundreds of miles in the Colorado Rockies and 800 miles of the Appalachian Trail, but this is my favorite trail in the world.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Grand Col Ferret, from Switzerland into Italy, at the highest point of the trip, reaching that amazing view, feeling the wind in my face, hearing the gush of glacial melt all those miles away across the valley...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian was 100% dedicated to our group's well-being and success. Full of stories, he kept us engaged and fascinated with our beautiful surroundings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for this. I prefer not to wear the heavier ankle-covering boots, just the lighter ones and mine were fine for this trip.

Alan Thom

Reviewed September 2017

Tour Du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

This was an excellent walking holiday, well paced, interesting interaction with fellow travellers & informative interludes from Ian our guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The excellent weather giving us spectacular views of Mont Blanc

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ian was excellent , informative, interested in the individuals within the group & led well giving the group the appropriate amount of time to walk & have breaks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are undertaking this trip the cable car from Italy op & then over to the Aiguille du midi was well worth the expense with a reduced rate for people over 65 if they ask.It is cheaper over all to go from this side & the travel across the massif was truly spectacular.

Sandra Martin

Reviewed September 2017

My Magical Tour du Mt Blanc Adventure!

I did this trip in July 2017. It was the most magical, memorable and rewarding adventure trip I have ever done.! This trip is not about rushing from A to B. This trip is all about the journey. It is about having fun, it is about the magical scenery, it is about the culture of the people who live in the alps and most importantly it is about the people you meet along the way. You get out of this trip what you put in to it.
Our guide Jeff was fantastic. He was professional, intelligent, engaging, fun, friendly, safety conscious, and most importantly very caring towards his customers. Jeff is the most inspiring guide I have ever met!
The accommodation was great. We stayed in a variety of hotels, hostels and auberges. They were all of a high standard, clean, hygienic and all the staff were friendly.
The staff at the Richemond Hotel in Chamonix were outstanding. They were very friendly and helped me practice my French which I greatly appreciated.
Our meals were great, with plenty of choice. You must try the cakes at the Bovine Refugio!
The hiking pace each day was good. It was steady, however you could stop and take photos whenever you liked or even just stop for a few minutes to ‘ soak up nature’.
I liked our exercise session every morning after breakfast. It was a great way to get our muscles ready for our long day of hiking. It also helped with team bonding as we always had lots of laughs during this time, watching each other trying to balance on one leg and hopping about.
If you want to be inspired, have fun, and go on an epic adventure, go with Exodus!

Most Inspirational Moment

The eldest person in our group ( not sure of his age), but he would be over 70, had a fall just before the water crossing and injured himself. He did not cry or complain. After our guide ' bandaged' him up, the man completed the days hike, with a smile on his face, and more importantly, finished the whole trip. He is an absolute inspiration.! Our guide Jeff was equally inspiring during this time as he was calm, confident and reassuring to this man, even though it must have scared him also, not just the customer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jeff, was fantastic. He was professional, intelligent, engaging, fun, friendly, safety conscious and most importantly very caring towards his customers. Jeff is the most inspiring guide I have ever met.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it! But remember, this trip is all about having fun! Don't rush, don't show off pretending you are the fastest and most fit person in the group. Get with the program and be a team member. Pace yourself up the steep hills and remember to hydrate frequently. Water, water, water! I did regular hill training 6 months prior to this trip and this definitely helped. I also did a basic 'French for fun and travel' course prior to the trip and it was extremely useful. Most importantly, go with the flow, get to know your fellow team mates, laugh often and be happy!

Rebecca Jones

Reviewed August 2017

I would not recommend this trip if ...

I would not recommend this trip if you are planning on travelling alone, if you are a light sleeper, if you value a sense of freedom, or if you are hoping for any form of relaxation during your holiday.

With one notable exception, Exodus seems to have chosen the cheapest and nastiest “hotels”. They were mostlly rather scuzzy and cramped, which is not very pleasant if you are sharing with one or more complete strangers. Several of them were also right next to busy roads and one just above the motorway leading to the Mont Blanc tunnel, making it all but impossible to sleep. I spent the whole trip sleep deprived, which was not helped by the early starts, in spite of the fact that, when I enquired prior to booking, Exodus had assured me that breakfast was normally at 8.00 am on the hotel trip. Because of the daily morning rush it wasn’t exactly a holiday.

The leader was good, but could have dispensed with the unnecessary morning group exercises in favour of an extra 20 minutes in bed. The exercises were apparently supposed to alleviate the stress of the hectic morning starts, but in fact just increased stress levels by adding another item to the list of things to do in the morning before getting walking. The group members were lovely, but of very mixed ages and fitness levels, meaning that the pace was extremely slow. Personally, I did not feel at all challenged by the ascents because of this slow pace. I appreciate that, on a group trip, the overall pace has to be that of the slowest member, but I would have enjoyed the trip much more if the pace had been more flexible and I had been able to walk a little faster at least some of the time. It seems that the enjoyment of faster members of the group was sacrificed to that of the slower.

Except for one challenging river crossing, owing to heavy rain over a couple of days, the walking is not at all difficult, so, if you are a reasonably experienced hill walker with some time to organise the trip yourself, I would recommend going it alone rather than through Exodus. I wish I had done so myself. The mountains are beautiful – it’s just a pity I couldn’t enjoy them to the full. Personally, I won’t be booking with Exodus again.

Most Inspirational Moment

The one day off when I went walking alone and could go at my own pace.

Suggestions

Mark Craven

Reviewed July 2017

Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

This trek coupled with excellent weather and brilliant company, ranks as one of the most enjoyable adventure tours we have undertaken in the past 10 years. It was challenging at times, and the days were usually long, but that first ice cold beer never tasted better. Constantly changing scenery, beautiful flowers and butterflies makes for a photographer’s paradise. Our advice if you love walking in stunning scenery is to do the trip while you can, the sense of achievement for us was as satisfying as completing Kilimanjaro.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final days walking to the high point at Brevent was long, but the culmination of two weeks of arduous trekking, realising you’ve achieved your goal, standing at the top taking in the spectacular views, with a bunch of strangers who had now become your best buddies, makes for a fabulous experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

You just couldn’t get a more knowledgeable, understanding or thoughtful guide than Peter. He was relaxed yet in full control, helping and encouraging where needed, nothing phased him at all. His lunchtime picnics were a culinary highlight of the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Apprehensive of the walking grade at altitude we did train quite a bit, probably not as much as we should have done due to leading normal busy lives, but if you’re a regular walker and are used to putting the hours in, you will be fine. It goes without saying to get your kit sorted out and bedded in beforehand, there isn’t much time once you’re underway, but bring Compeed in any case, as even the most comfortable boots and socks can play up after 10hrs plus day after day. Also pack light as there are plenty of opportunities to rinse out and dry trekking gear.

Suggestions

The terrain was challenging at times, as described in the notes, with little flat walking, and the descents can be hard on the knees. Accommodation was always of a good standard, food was variable, with not a lot of choice for any special dietary requirements, but on the whole it’s was pretty decent. At the end of the day you undertake these types of trips to challenge yourself, so small hardships should be expected, just keep a smile on your face and everyone will oblige. In summary this is a well organised fantastic trip and we would recommend it to all.

Sue Philp

Reviewed July 2017

Tour de Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

Absolutely fantastic trek. With only two exceptions we had beautiful weather for the whole trip even though the forecast had been varied. The grading of challenging / moderate was spot on and at times it felt tough but the spectacular scenery all around and the sense of achievement more than compensated for the harder parts. Loved every minute of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Col De Tricot! Cow bells clanging in flower filled meadows, Glaciers that felt that they were within in touching distance.. sunshine lighting up snow covered peaks... myrtle tarts at the refuges... Actually there were so many fantastic moments that it is hard to differentiate but getting to the top of the Col was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul kept us organised and safe, he made sure that all the group achieved their goals and we all learned a lot about wild flowers and trees!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the trip.. Make sure that you have a reasonable level of fitness, it isn't easy walking but it is doable and the rewards are worth it. It's one of the best treks that I've done. Don't take too much clothing, there really isn't any need to 'dress up' in the evenings although you might want something clean for the free days unless you are planning on walking then too. Thermal Spa at St Gervais was a lovely distraction on one free day and good for soothing aching joints.

Suggestions

Really great trip.. up there with Everest Base Camp for me in terms of challenges (but for different reasons). If the weather is kind to you, the landscape is just stunning and you really won't be disappointed. The accommodation is really pretty good and the food at some of the auberges was great. Overall, it was excellent and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Tracey Patterson

Reviewed September 2016

Tour de Mont Blanc Hotel Trek

We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip even though the terrain could be hard work at times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to complete the Tour and feel proud of the accomplishment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nick Draper was an excellent leader. He looked after the group and made sure everyone was coping ok. He has an excellent knowledge of the flora and fauna and was happy to point things out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do follow the advice in the trip notes and on the website to make sure that you have a reasonable state of fitness. Do make sure that you take walking poles as these are essential for manoeuvring up and down the trails.

Suggestions

This was a wonderful trip which I thoroughly enjoyed. I think that Exodus should ensure that couples that book holidays together are seated together on all flights.

Martin Patterson

Reviewed September 2016

Tour Du Mont Blanc

This is a fairly strenuous trek through the amazing setting of the Alps, but with a little bit of fitness preparation it’s well within most peoples capability. Our group age ranged from early 50s to 70 and we all finished. Each days walking started at about 08.30 and finished between 16.00-17.00. There was plenty of oportunity to stop and admire the ever changing views and have rest breaks at the mountain refuges where food and drink was always available. At times ascents and descents were quite steep but these were to be expected, ( we were in the Alps after all). As a group we gelled together well which resulted in a couple of apres trek beers each day before dinner. The food and accomodation were first rate, don’t expect to lose any weight on this trek the foods to good and there’s plenty off it. Overall I can’t recommend this trip highly enough if walking is your thing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The ever changing views opening up in front of me were just amazing, resulting in no sooner did I put my camera away than it had to come out again. Also whilst I was there the UTMB was taking place, and to see people running the 170km mountain route I was wakling just left me with a feeling awe (this years winner did it in 22hours, I took 10 days)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Nick was an easy going guide, who set a pace to achieve the each days trek in a realistic time. He was knowledgeable about the area and regularly pointed out and named peaks, plants and local history. I'd be very happy to be led by Nick again on future treks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Being super fit is not necessary but improving fitness prior to doing this trek would just make it easier and more enjoyable With regards to kit, good comfortable shoes/boots are essential, and your knees and ankles will thank you for using walking poles. Drink plenty of water, a hydration bladder in your backpack encourages this.

Suggestions

If you're considering this trip but not sure if you're up to it, I can honestly say the effort will be worth it.

Nishka Bhatia

Reviewed September 2016

Trekking the TMB

This was honestly one of my most incredible adventures yet, executed in a flawless and brilliant manner by Exodus. It fulfilled all of my expectations, from amazing diverse scenery (majestic mountains, valleys, forests and woodlands) to great food and company.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several inspirational moments, but the best would have to be tackling the 1.5 km ascent on the last trekking day without breaking too much of a sweat. It really showed me how far I had come in terms of both mental strength and fitness, over the two weeks! Also, being constantly surrounded by mountains is itself a very humbling and spiritual experience, one that has driven me to pursue mountain hiking/trekking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had the privilege of having both Frank and John as our tour guides. Both were excellent; I really appreciated John's helpful advice on walking techniques along with the extremely doable pace he employed during the most challenging trekking days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend a few weeks of hill walking/general fitness training prior to undertaking this trek. Almost every day is a challenge in its own right and prior training will ensure a more enjoyable experience. In saying that, I think that body learns to adapt to the increased load and you definitely shouldn't feel stressed if you're not the fittest during the first few days!

Suggestions

I had many misgivings about doing this as my first proper trek. I'm glad I decided to ignore the negative thoughts and do it anyway! You definitely come out stronger (both mentally and physically) and a million times more inspired to live life a little more!

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