Reviews

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Augustine was very good. He provided us with plenty of information about the walks and lots of options for our rest day (which was a rainy day).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be wary of the disconnect between the Exodus main office staff and their local agents. (1) I was told the wrong rest day. This was rectified but still caused some inconvenience (I had pre-booked a paraglide). (2) After being denied a single supplement solo room I requested if any situation arose whereby I could secure a solo room then I would like one. I ended up sharing so it was frustrating to later discover:- (a) that four people on the trip had solo rooms without paying the supplement (one of whom booked just days before the departure date and two who were split out of a shared twin room because there was an empty room!), (b) that my request had never been passed to the local agents who do the room allocation! Hence only four stars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Driving through the Mont Blanc tunnel with no issues and arriving in gorgeous sunshine for a hike through the alpine hills in Italy. Trekking to Refuge Bonatti and finding out from Mark the story to this man’s interesting life. Set in alpine meadows with waterfalls and streams flowing down, teaming with wildflowers and butterflies everywhere, truly magical. Then ice cream, such a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark is an experienced guide and what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing POV. He was full of interesting stories, facts and knowledge about the area, the people, the flora and the fauna. He has such a keen eye and was able to spot animals so quickly, and we seen a lot! Ibex, chamois, wee shrews and a beautiful fox, lots of marmots and birds too. We had daily briefings before supper to plan our route, he made changes to benefit us with weather conditions and times etc, everything went like clockwork and again we can thank Mark for his experience and foresight! Easy going and funny with jokes along the way but also serious at times when caution was needed, we all felt safe under his guidance. His knowledge of the area is extensive and he is happy to share it with you and answered all the questions we had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for steep climbs at times but rest breaks are well timed. Enjoy the majestic 360 degree views at every turn and breath in the fresh alpine air. Good boots and two pairs of socks keep blisters at bay and normally I don’t use trekking poles but they were invaluable, esp on the more rocky terrain. Check out the spa in Chamonix, good for tired legs on the free day and Auguille Du Midi is so much better when it’s a clear day if you can plan for it, good luck. The trail descents can be tricky too so watch out, and you will love this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the pinnacle of our first hike and experiencing the spectacular grandeur and almost surreal vistas of the natural beauty surrounding us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was a gift. His adeptness and competence as a trail guide were quite obvious, but it was his kindness, encouragement and exuberance that motivated and guided all of us. He truly is at home in the natural world and with all people; his joy is contagious. He made sure that each participant was successful. His nightly briefings were informative and he had everyone laughing at his explanations of all things "alpine"! We are tempted to repeat this exact Exodus expedition just to enjoy Adrian for another week of our lives. Carolina and Sebastien, the chalet hosts, were also delightful. Constantly smiling, they seamlessly performed all the "behind the scenes" duties to keep us happily satiated and content, plus they were excellent drivers when needed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our family has done quite a bit of hiking, but this trip was challenging and our feet felt the ill effects. We survived and enjoyed the trip, but Band-aids and moleskin were much needed to help our toes. Moderate hiking in the midwest, USA, where we are from, is very different than the moderate hiking in this part of the world! We also had very warm weather during our stay and slept with open windows. The street traffic in our room was noisy at times so earplugs would certainly help a light sleeper. Meeting new people from all walks of life was a real treat, so come with an open heart and mind!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to select Being in nature, the landscapes, the wildflowers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic-see full review

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare by hiking similar distances and carrying all required items-ideally with elevation gains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was simply exceptional. His extensive knowledge of the terrain, local flora and fauna, and the history of the region enriched our experience immensely. He navigated with expertise, ensuring our safety and comfort while keeping spirits high with his engaging stories and infectious enthusiasm. Adrian's guidance allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the grandeur of the Alps without a single worry.

Most Inspirational Moment

I recall reaching the summit of the Aiguillette de Posettes and feeling like I had been transported to a scene from the Sound of Music. Crystal blue sky, majestic mountains, and just a newfound sense for the splendor of this beautiful world we live in.

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was the key ingredient. Adrian Redondo was our leader and he was so much more than that. This is a young man who lives for the mountains and his love for this environment was absolutely infectious. Adrian is remarkably fit and a strong technical climber whose capabilities make less seasoned hikers more comfortable and confident in his care. Beyond this, he is a charismatic individual who just infused our hikes with a sense of fun and awe for what surrounded us. A cosmopolitan traveler and thinker, he helped open my eyes anew to the beauty and adventure of these alpine landscapes. A truly remarkable young man.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think the descriptions of the hiking expectations on the website are accurate, but interpret them literally. A “moderate” hiking level in this part of the world translates closer to “challenging or difficult” per the diluted definitions I’m accustomed to reading in the U.S. Just take the time to condition yourself for consecutive days of hiking up and down steep hillsides so that you can fully appreciate the grandeur surrounding you without distraction. Our group did a very good job of self-selection which enabled all of us to uniformly push ourselves to a healthy limit each day, achieving a feeling of accomplishment which we rewarded with cups of hot chocolate or an icy “alpine” beer at the top of most climbs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being constantly surrounded by the stunning snow capped mountains and glaciers. Favourite hikes include the Italian Val Ferret with legendary hot chocolate, incredible wild flowers and well deserved ice cream at the end. Also the hike to the stunning Lac Blanc from La Flegere, which included a cable car ascent over the valley, and our free day hike from the middle cable car station of Aiguille du Midi, along the valley to the Mer de Glace Glacier with descent by cog railway. Views from the top of Aiguille du Midi were breathtaking, not only because they were beautiful, but also because there were 35kmph winds and sub zero temperatures! Sadly the cloud base was too low and it was too windy for the cable car over the glacier to Italy to run, but that was our only disappointment all week, and the walk made up for it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was an extremely good leader. He is incredibly fit, very knowledgeable and a good judge of the group's ability for setting pace without being restrictive. He was very good humoured and helpful, and helped us negotiate the more challenging sections of the walk without any pressure. He kept the group motivated and took an interest in everyone. Couldn't fault him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a week that requires a good level of fitness to get the most out of it. There are a lot of steep climbs over rough terrain, and some more tricky sections which are not suited to people who are scared of heights. Expect to negotiate steps, rocks, ladders, chains, wires, suspension bridges and some steep and narrow sections, but the mountain scenery more than makes up for the effort required. It's a great way to see some of the gorgeous scenery of the Mount Blanc circuit without the need for two weeks of long and strenuous days, there's no roughing it or constant moving from place to place, so you can have plenty of down time to relax and take it all in.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching your first peak, looking up and not only seeing the incredible views but knowing you got there yourself.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Egle was phenomenal! Her mountain knowledge was superb and she was great fun to hike with!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Shoes with a sturdy and grippy sole are a must! This was the first time I used hiking poles and I was SO thankful I did. I will not be hiking a mountain without them again. I started each morning by drinking an electrolyte drink and I think this helped my hydration a lot. I also recommend bringing some protein bars with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the walks in the Alps were amazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was Mark who obviously is an expert in his field . He was very personable and had a story for every occasion . Felt very well looked after

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the Lac Blanc walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tim Stephens

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t think twice - just book it.