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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14462 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Andrew Collins

Reviewed February 2015

A most enjoyable trip to a beautiful country.

We have just returned from the late January / early February slot and had an excellent time. The tour ran as per the itinerary with no disruption as a consequence of the heavy rain back in December, and offered a good balance between walking and culture / sightseeing. The Group all got on well together and we enjoyed plenty of laughs. We were looked after incredibly well by the whole ‘crew’ throughout our stay.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip had many highlights but we particularly enjoyed the walking in the Knuckles Mountains which are well off the tourist trail. The walk at Horton Plains is also very enjoyable, albeit quite busy. On the cultural side the caves at Dambulla are exceptional as are the very early wall paintings at Sigirya. For those interested in wildlife, the range of birds seen on the various walks was unexpected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rewan was an excellent guide - very knowledgeable, always helpful, well organised, sociable and everything was done with a smile. His talks on the bus journeys on a variety of subjects including the history of Sri Lanka were fascinating. In addition to Rewan, mention should also be made of our bus driver who was very accomplished and showed great skill in manoeuvring the bus around some tight roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The kit list suggests walking in trekking sandals and has walking boots listed as optional. In my view walking boots are essential given the terrain of some of the walks in the Hill Country and to offer protection against the leeches that exist on the damp forest paths. I would also recommend taking a lightweight pair of waterproof overtrousers as when it rains it can be very heavy and the mountain weather is unpredictable.

Malcolm May

Reviewed February 2015

The Most Exciting Way to see Sri Lanka

This is a cycle trip to savour. As well as being a wonderful way of getting a real feel of the country, you also visit 3 of the 4 ancient capitals, eat some very good meals, especially street food and gain glimpses of the family, cultural and political life of this fascinating country. The cycling is mainly on quiet country roads. It’s challenging at times but well worth the effort. The bikes are in excellent condition with semi-slick tyres which, along with a very good mechanic, make for easier road cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb to Kandy and the following day's climb to Nuwara Eliya could be called 'inspirational' I suppose. It's tough at times; more of an enjoyable slog than a steep climb. The 2 big runs downhill from Nuwara Eliya are both exhilarating and inspirational! What makes the trip most inspirational is the day to day scenes on the quiet country backroads, interspersed with small villages, stunning countryside, giggling and waving children and smiling inquisitive adults who may be entertaining the thought "why do these westerners want to cycle when they can jump into a car or tourist bus"?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Apart from the beautiful country and its people, it was Juresh, our leader who made this trip such a success. With the experience of 8 cycle tours, he is certainly the most imaginative and considerate tour leader I've met. He is a man of considerable integrity who will go that extra mile to ensure the customer is happy; everyone in our group of 15 held the same opinion. He not only led the daily cycling with enthusiasm but organised a fascinating range of activities from a curry cooking evening to an absorbing visit to a multi-faith temple; from an hour of hilarious games on the beach to a couple of easily understood sessions on Sri Lankan history and many more including an enjoyable evening hill walk in Ella, one of the most scenic parts of the island.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For those who don't like hills, try not to be too daunted by the 2 climbs. It's not a competition and there's no shame in jumping in the mini bus if it gets too difficult. The 2 climbs are not steep, just rather long but once you get into a rhythm, the miles glide by. Don't worry about about cycling in town traffic. Things are a bit chaotic but drivers are experts at predicting and avoiding the maneuvers of other road users; no problem. As well as your posh cycle tops, bring a couple of old T shirts which can be used if it's raining and you're cycling through road work areas. The red mud splatters everything. For some reason, Exodus do not fit mudguards; some cheap short ones would make a big difference when the roads are wet.

Rebecca Cain

Reviewed February 2015

The first of many cycling tours for me

I loved every minute of the tour. The cycling is amazing, and quite challenging at times, and Vietnam is a beautiful country to visit. A great mix of cycling and sight seeing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to the top of the Hai Van Pass and having my tour group buddies there to cheer me over the finish line. And then the exhilarating ride down the other side was pretty amazing too. Being surrounded by many fit and adventurous people is really inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was so warm and friendly. It was lovely to spend 2 weeks with him, and learn about Vietnam through him. He's also great cyclist who pushed the fittest riders (not me!) to challenge themselves. The rest of the Exodus support crew were amazing as well - very good at their jobs of driving, mechanics, setting up drink stops, and also really friendly and a lot of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take padded shorts. Two pairs is enough, 3 is plenty, and you can wash them overnight and get laundry done fairly frequently. If you're a slower rider like me, then you might benefit from having a camelback drink bladder so that you don't have to stop to drink water or to take your eyes off the road to grab your bottle. It's 20kms between scheduled water stops, and sometimes I felt like I didn't want to pull over to have a drink because I didn't want to be miles behind the rest of the group. I didn't have a camelback but I will get one before my next cycling tour. If it's going to be a particularly hot time of year, also bring some electrolyte tablets to put in your water while you're cycling. It's just added insurance against dehydration. It makes a nice change from plain water as well.

James Fletcher

Reviewed February 2015

Everest Base Camp

12 days of trekking (with a couple of days in Kathmandu on the end) in the Himalayas, walking from Lukla, where we flew to, to Everest Base Camp. The accommodation was teahouses, similar to youth hostels, where you order your food from the menu and the family that owns the teahouse will then cook it for you. The walking probably averaged about 6 hours per day, with stunning views of the Everest Range. Weather was very clear, perfectly mild in the daytime but cold at night!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Everest Base Camp at 5360m. To think that I got to the point where people who have gone on to conquer the mountain have been based was quite something. The first proper view of Everest was also a really awe-inspiring moment, thinking "that's the highest point in the World, just up there!"

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lhakpa was brilliant. He was friendly, he was knowledgable and above all he imparted into the group a sense that he completely knew what he was doing. I think that when you're somewhere that is very exposed and can be quite dangerous, that ultimate trust in your leader is a very important thing, and I had 100% trust in Lhakpa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for cold nights, be prepared not to wash for a few days, but really the kitlist that Exodus provide pre-trip is very complete, and if you follow that then you will be fine.

Sarah Stevenson

Reviewed February 2015

Snowshoeing in the Dolomites

An amazing week in wonderful surroundings, a luxury hotel and everything taken care of. Totally good value for money and life memories every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The summits were by far the most breaktaking and beautiful but Durrakopf has to beat all the others.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon Van Dam was exceptional. He went all out to ensure that everyone had a special week and was kind and funny and integrated in the group. Having been on 6 Exodus trips before, I have to say he was one of the best leaders I have known. He was very capable and looked after all the needs of the group superbly -we didn't have to worry about anything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you wear lots of layers, take a snood and goggles for snowing days, prepare to be fit for hours (up to 6) of walking uphill and a hip flask or thermos flask is recommended for 'anti-freeze' - snowshoeing is easy and requires no skill but you need to be fit to do the hours in the mountains.

Lesley Rawson

Reviewed February 2015

Discover Sri Lanka (AIL)

I want to tell other people what a fantastic trip this is. I could not fault the holiday from start to finish – it provides a real insight into Sri Lanka, its amazing scenery, wildlife and people, and there are so many activities that there is never a dull moment! The itinerary has been extremely well thought out and the standard of hotels and food is excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many, but climbing Adams Peak has to be the highlight for me. It's a tough climb, but SO worth it. I would strongly recommend anyone on this holiday to do it if they possibly can - your efforts will be rewarded with an amazing experience! Other highlights included the ascent of Lion Rock at dawn, seeing a fantastic array of wildlife in Yala National Park, the walk to World's End at Horton Plains and the river rafting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was amazing - he has helped to shape the itinerary of this trip over the years and cares passionately about his home country. He told us so much about Sri Lanka and its people, always in an interesting way and with plenty of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend taking a gel saddle cover for the biking day, and a hiking pole would be useful for Lion Rock and Adams Peak (especially for coming down, when your legs are tired).

John Roberts

Reviewed February 2015

Highlights of Morocco

This was a brilliant trip with a wide variety of landscapes and interesting cultural highlights to marvel at. Not a trip for the wildlife enthusiast as not many birds or other animals but still well worth the intensive immersion in all things Moroccan .

Most Inspirational Moment

Our stay in the village in the High Atlas was magical. It reminded me a bit of Shangri La in 'Lost Horizon' with the cultivated valleys covered in fruit trees in blossom with a backdrop of mountains in the most striking colours.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was fantastic. Patient, knowledgeable and efficient. We couldn't have asked for a better leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One word of caution - it is VERY cold in the cities in winter - we were expecting it in the countryside - but be prepared and take lots of layers. If you have room, a hot water bottle and travel kettle are worth taking.

Janice Tyler

Reviewed February 2015

TURKEY - SULEYMAN - BRILLIANT

Hi All, We had a great tour, small party because of the time we travelled (Christmas) but we experienced a lot, our driver was an expert in the conditions, It was a leisurely time, Saw an amazing amount of Turkey in a short time frame.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cappadocia was amazing but then just being in Instanbul was a culture in its self.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great, spoke perfect English and once he got to know us was a great joy with bits of laughter and learning of their culture and ways. He was a great historian and knowledge that was surprising.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take thermals just in case of a weather snap. Read up on restaurants and eating places before you go so you know what is around your hotel otherwise you feel a bit lost. Book a cruise of the Bhosperous at the harbour so you can see what boat they are giving you otherwise some are rust buckets.

Adam Ward

Reviewed February 2015

Trip of a lifetime

This adventure was amazing from start to finish. The food served was delicious and different each day and no one got ill which to be honest everyone expected to be at some point. There was plenty of action but also plenty of time to rest and the campsites had beautiful scenery. We hoped to see a certain amount of animals but we got way more than we ever dreamed of which was thanks to the efforts of the guide and drivers.

The campsites were fine and all had flushing toilets and showers (although not all hot). Camping made you feel even more with nature than camping in a fancy lodge as you hear the animal noises in the night and sometimes even have them come visit in the night.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting into the perfect position to see the elusive leopard walk out from the long grass along the riverbank. Or on the optional tour, seeing the male hippo on the bank and subsequently rush into the water to come and get us!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide (Jacob) and team (Emmanuel, Ben and Alex) were really friendly and worked constantly to make everything run smoothly. Jacob was such a big part of the trip that it wouldn't have been the same without him. He gave us his professional suggestions on ways to improve the trip and we get along with him, and were not disappointed. He's so knowledgeable and his passion to help us get the most of our trip shone through. He balanced everyone's wishes and likes to make sure everyone got to see what they wanted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to be open minded and willing to adapt because plans do change sometimes. The standard of living is totally different to what we're used to and there are some long bumpy drives but it's an amazing experience so don't let that put you off- it's all fine but you need to be prepared. If you love luxury and hate camping this isn't the option for you but if you are up for an adventure the camping really isn't bad at all.

Irene Paterson

Reviewed February 2015

Sierra de Aitana Trek

Excellent holiday – the grade for this holiday is 4 Moderate/Challenging however, the walks were more challenging than some “challenging” holidays we have been on.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was very different.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about this history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

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