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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14484 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Elizabeth Stallabrass

Reviewed February 2016

Cycle Central America MUC 160123

Hot, humid and hilly!
A wonderful trip hopping from the Caribbean to the Pacific twice. Breathtaking scenery as we ascended into the cloud forest. Such diversity of flora and fauna, and unusually stunning creatures to be seen along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunset at Las Lajas Beach Resort hotel, Panama. The Pacific Ocean was as warm as a bath, the vast expanse of empty beach a beautiful location. An absolute treat after a long, hot cycle. The Tenorio River trip was wonderful, 2 hours of tranquility, with many birds and creatures being pointed out by our river guide. The bats were a fantastic find.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto Abuilar was informative, patient and a great leader. Several events did not go according to plan but he managed to sort out the problems without majorly affecting the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The included flight was with United Airways which was a huge disappointment to the start of the holiday. I can only describe it as a long haul budget airway. Food was sparse and kept to a minimum. Anything additional had to be paid for. Eat a big breakfast before you fly. Lots of cobbled roads and rough tracks in Nicaragua. If you have a delicate derrière take a gel seat pad for that leg of the journey. Take some binoculars to search for the Toucans.

Reply from Exodus

The full day boat tour is considered to be very good value at US$25 as it gives a fun and interesting overview of the islands whilst including dolphin watching and snorkelling. Sometimes the boat captain that we use is able to offer a small discount for larger groups but not always. We will remove the reference to this in the locally distributed trip notes to avoid disappointment. The charge for accessing Red Frog Beach is unfortunately out of our control and has seemingly only very recently risen from $3 to $5, again this information will be updated in our literature.

John Gray

Reviewed February 2016

Cycling Cuba - the holiday of a lifetime!

16 day cycling holiday in Cuba, covering most of the island. Cycling between 35-80k for 10 days, with back-up support and bus transfers. Staying in huge variety of accommodation, from 5 star luxury hotels, to Russian utilitarian hotels, to beautiful colonial hotels, and a couple of casas, giving insight into how the locals live.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the sea at the Bay of Pigs, when a pelican flew very low just past me and some of the lovely long descents, with amazing views. (John) Completing all the cycling without going in the bus, and being the first to finish the final leg! (Polly)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant! Laz was exceptional, he got on very well with all our group, very mixed age and ability; he was very knowledgeable about Cuba's history and gave us good advice about places to see and what to eat and drink, and he had a great sense of humour. We felt very well looked after and could not have had a better group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As long as you can cycle the distance, including some very steep hills, age doesn't matter, the oldest in our group was 76 and was always in the front. But don't worry,even if you can't manage it the bus is always following you, so you can choose to ride in the bus if you want to. A gel saddle cover would be a good idea. and lightweight cycling tops and shorts that cover you to avoid sunburn - also high factor sun cream. Lastly, do take Imodium, however careful you are you are bound to get Cuban tummy!

Ian Mcgivern

Reviewed February 2016

Cuban Highlights Ride

I’m not really much of a cyclist but I’d decided that seeing Cuba from the seat of my saddle was the only way to experience this fascinating destination. In the end, I fell in love with Cuba and fell in love with cycling too! The holiday was just the right mix of culture, history and beach and it was all done at our own pace. Each day we saw or did different things and I’d wake up each morning, looking forward to whatever the next day would bring! Also, I felt very safe on my bike. The traffic was very light and always gave us a wide berth.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the Cuban people. They seem to have very little but they give you so much. Some of us brought small gifts (toys, toiletries, pens, books) which we gave to our hosts in the 'Casas Particulares'. Seeing their smiles was very uplifting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was excellent. He was very helpful (cycling off at one point to get more currency for the group). He was a proud Cuban with a good sense of humour and was always on hand to sort any issues which arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

About half way through the holiday, quite a few members of the group ran out of Cuban money or needed to top up their currency. Changing money wasn't quite as easy as in other parts of the world, so I would advise changing more than the £150 which we were advised to change on arrival at the airport. Oh...and some of my twenty pound notes were refused by the cashiers because they weren't 'perfect'. Make sure the cash you bring into Cuba has no small tears. They will be refused.

Susan Marchant

Reviewed February 2016

A Taste of Cuba

A showcase of the contrasting landscapes this vibrant but rather relaxed island has to offer: – Vinales, the farmer seated on his cart drawn by horned white oxen along near empty roads, the musical vibes of the colourful houses of Trinidad spilling out onto intimate cobbled streets – the stately colonial style of Cienfuegos and the stunning sunset over the bay from the rooftop of the Palacio sipping the best Mojitos, the solemnity of the mausoleum at Santa Clara and the fine restoration work already extensively underway in Old Havana but so fascinating to see the juxtaposition of the crumbling, dilapidated but often still inhabited old buildings interspersed with the restorations, and, of course, old cars everywhere!

I feel I should add that after much I have read about the repetitive nature of the cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of dishes and the delicious seasonal produce. Lobsters were succulent and meaty and the chicken so full of flavour. potatoes, I was informed, were out of season so not available but yam and pumpkin were plentiful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really just watching and learning about such a very different way of life The salsa lesson was fun but quite energetic The drive through Havana in open top limos on the final day was a perfect finale

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rai was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour She organised a few extras not on the itinerary which was great Despite finding out about "Cuban time " early on she did expect punctuality from the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had a couple of cold fronts so maybe pack more than one warm top. Over half of our group including myself experienced upset stomach so bring remedies, hand gel etc If you see crafts you like in any of the towns you pass through, I would suggest buying them then. the craft market in Havana is dark, cramped and not such a nice shopping experience

Michael Libman

Reviewed February 2016

Taste of Cuba - Delicious!

I have been all over the world on many trips over the last 40 years or so but I think this was one of the very best I have been on. Cuba is a fascinating country and the Exodus itinerary really showed it off to it’s best considering we had just 8 days on the island.

The accommodation ranged from Comfortable to Amazing, the food, (despite what most people said before we went) was more than plentiful and of good quality, in fact we were fed too much!

Most Inspirational Moment

When the political system was fully explained to us, very little like a Communist system we thought it was.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local guide was faultless, spoke perfect English and her knowledge was far reaching and interesting, I don't think there was one question she couldn't answer all week. She had a great sense of humour and seemed to know every building in every town we visited. Her historic knowledge was also impressive, for both Cuba and surprisingly the UK.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I highly recommend including the direct Virgin flights from Gatwick within your package, the times in both directions were very suitable and the flights pleasant, the same could not be said about flights some others booked independently, none of them were direct so travel times were extended greatly and their time in Cuba reduced. I also recommend taking unused toiletries, pens, notebooks and other useful items to donate because they are hard to get hold of for Cubans. Chocolates we found are also useful for tips in Casas.

Geoff Beale

Reviewed February 2016

Cycling the Cape Winelands

An all round excellent trip. If taking your own bikes take a road bke. It is definitely Not for mountain bikes. We took our folding mountain bikes which we have used on previous trips but even with semi slicks could have done with 700c wheels and 21mm slick tyres. The wind and heat over the central sections was killing. Having to actually pedal downhill to keep going at times. The highlights were Franchoek and Stellenbosch with the wine tasting, Franchhoek pass and Troudapas, the whale coast from Simonstown to Gordon’s bay ( a long day at 90km with an absolute killer of a hill to start after breakfast, most of us made it up), Chapmans peak down to Hout Bay. Recommend to anyone but be reasonably fit before you go. You will be a lot fitter at the end.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all inspirational. The scenery was excellent most ot time. Probably the most enjoyable day was the whale coast ride (around False Bay).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand our tour leader was a great character and wit. He was full of bulls*** a lot of the time which made for a lot of banter, fun and winding up with the group. Sifiso our driver was a quiet Zulu but came out of his shell during the trip to be a great asset to the group. Both guys worked extremely hard to make the trip memorable for us all. There were some logistical and organisational issues which they handled with professionalism and tact. Some of the evening meals and lunches and breakfasts were prepared by the guides when we were staying in lodges or way out. All were excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it. If you like wine, beer, brandy good food etc there's plenty of it, quite apart from the cycling which has its pain and plenty of pleasures. You will see many sights and sounds to impress as well as depress(shanty villages). Take plenty of sunscreen and electrolytes for your water bottle.

Diane Elford

Reviewed February 2016

A 'taste' of what Cuba has to offer

A busy itinerary which visits all the key places. I enjoyed the variety of the trip from the countryside to busy cities and felt I learnt a lot about Cuba along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed most aspects of the trip. Looking back, the time in Vinales valley was most memorable. Lovely little town with colourful painted houses that was very unexpected and it was interesting to trace the journey of cigar making from field to factory. Also had a lovely evening meal in an organic farm overlooking the entire valley

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Ray was excellent. She was very organised and offered lots of extra opportunities to sample what Cuba had to offer from finding nice local restaurants to eat in to trips (like the Cadillac ride around Havana on the last morning). She was passionate about her country and that came across in the way spoke about it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nearly half our group were affected by stomach problems over the week. Not sure if we had a bug going round the group of it was due to the ice in drinks but make sure you go prepared with medications (and toilet roll!) just in case. Due to trade embargoes, Cubans don't have access to what we see as the basics in life (toiletries, clothing, pens etc) if you can, take a few extra items to leave behind it is very much appreciated

Odile Thompson

Reviewed February 2016

Patagonian highlights

A wonderful trip I would definitely recommend if you like barren landscape, mountains and glaciers. The itinerary was well thought out and even though there were long stretches travelling on the mini bus, this allowed for a great overview of Patagonia.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Fitzroy Massif and Moreno glacier were stunning. Having said that I also enjoyed the varied scenery in general which varied from mountainous to barren wind swept plains. The wildlife was very exciting especially spotting the condors and the full day boat trip in Ushuaia was worth it for seeing the penguins and sea lions. The food in restaurants throughout the trip was excellent not mentioning the wonderful Argentinian wine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Xavier was fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. He did a really good job suggesting and booking restaurants for the group to eat out in the evening although it was left to individuals whether to join in or not. He introduced us to 'mate' a herbal tea drunk from a special 'cup' with a metal straw which is shared amongst friends which we often had on our bus journeys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although I am an experienced walker, walking each year in the Swiss Alps on challenging paths, I found the treks quite hard. This was not because the treks were difficult but more due to the pace set by the fitter and faster walkers. Xavier was very good though walking at the back of the pack and there was always the possibility of turning back at certain points for those wishing to stop.

Anthea Clark

Reviewed February 2016

A cycling adventure

An amazing adventure from start to finish. If you want to have an adventure with your bike then book this one. To cycle/bus through three different countries in two weeks is great.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved being able to get up early and go for a swim in the sea. One morning I had the beach to myself watching the sun rise and as I was swimming pelicans were flying close by skimming the waves with their wings. Giving a "high five" to local kids whilst cycling up hill and not falling off my bike! Cycling through amazing scenery hearing and seeing howler monkeys and birds and trying to spot snoozing sloths in the trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Roberto. His knowledge of the history, politics, wildlife and roads! of all three countries was excellent. He was a very dedicated leader and worked hard to ensure that every day went as smoothly as it could. Roberto was incredibly well organised and always smiling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bug spray, I smelt of deet for two weeks but managed to avoid being bitten so it was worth it. Imodium tablets! The food was great and there was always a safe water supply but I did need them. Pedals, I clip in when road cycling but not if I mtb. I didn't take my pedals but wish I had as the cycling is mainly road cycling on a mountain bike. Build up your stamina before you go. It is quite hilly and very very humid. If you are sharing a room it is always worth asking if they have a second key, most of the hotels did.

Catherine Marvell

Reviewed February 2016

Great trip to amazing country

This is a well planned itinery to enable visiting a wide range of ecosystems – wetland rainforests, cloud forests, coastal rainforests, high altitude forests so the variety of flora and fauna seen is great. I thought that the travelling every other day would be tedious but each journey was broken up by something of interest and often we had reached our destination by lunch time.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many but Torteguero was the most amazing place, cruising along the waterways seeing the abundant wildlife. But the beauty of the cloud forest at St Elena was also truest stunning. Also the getting up and 5am to see the quetzals at Savegre. As was swimming in the warm Pacific and seeing the Pelicans flying above. And watching the white faced monkeys grooming in the trees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carla was extremely hard working and put a lot into giving us as much information as possible about where we were and what we were seeing. She was so enthusiastic about her country it was quite infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of opportunities to do your own thing so make the most of these, I had some of my best moments when walking alone in the forests and gardens.

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