Reviews

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

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14259 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed April 2012

ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

We enjoyed every minute of it. It combined a wealth of opportunites to get closer to an understanding of the Japanese view of life with many of the ‘must see’ sites. Add to that the exposure to a fantastic cuisine and a great bunch of fellow travelers, and what more could you ask for?

Most Inspirational Moment

Mount Fuji seen at a distance through a gauze-like haze.Geisha-hunting as they rushed fron client to client in the Gion district of Kyoto Seeing the Ticket Inspector bow to the next compartment as he left - there was no-one there, but it was part of his courteous routine, and he did it, no doubt, to make sure he never forgets to do it when there are people there. So typical of the Japanese way of doing things. The Cherry Blossom in the parks in Tokyo - it did not disappoint

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan was everything one could expect in a tour leader. Not only was he a great organiser, but he was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of Japan that we were enriched by what he told us. He was also amazing at finding and taking us to eating places that were great on food and atmosphere but didn't break the bank. The only negative thing to say was that he warned us of the contrast between the luxurious hotel of Kyoto and the traditional basic facilities of the ryiokans we were to visit, to such an effect that my wife Mary approached them with great trepidation. In the event they were a marvellous experience which we would not have missed for the world. It was also curious that we elderly married couples seemed to be allocated the few rooms with the most Western facilities. Funny, that.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had the impression before going that it might be difficult to use credit cards or find ATMs. In fact it was very easy - apart from banks and some big shops every 7-11 store had an ATM, and many other places advertised the fact that they had one in the same way that they offered other facilities, like loos or refreshments.

Reviewed April 2012

An experience of a lifetime

This is without a doubt an experience of a lifetime – hard work but well worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are too many to mention but a few of my favourites would include:- Reaching Base Camp after nine days of hard slog- Seeing Everest from the top of Kala Patar- Meeting our guide's father, the only livinig survivor from the original 1953 summit climb- Having a fantastic group of fellow trekkers - The best leader, guide and assistant guides one could ever ask for (Lakpa, Domi, Tikka & Anil)

Thoughts on Group Leader

One word - superb!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not an easy trip and a very good level of fitness is necessary (although it is importan to remember that this is completely un-correlated to how, if at all, your body will react to the altitude) but by being prepared (read the trip notes and fellow travellers' reviews well!), having an open mind and whole heap of positive attitude will serve you well. Oh and don't forget to drink lots and lots of water and walk slowly every day!!

Reviewed April 2012

ATLAS PANORAMA

Wonderful varied holiday with the delights of Marrakech vying with the stunning beauty of the High Atlas Mountains. The latter won!

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up to snow one early morning in the High Atlas.Taking tea with a local family and watching it being prepared - pure magic and humbling. Hearing a nightingale in the valley near the gite.The last walk on the last morning down to meet the van when we were leaving. The morning was perfect and we ambled along with Hassan while some went ahead (breaking the golden rule we'd kept all week) and felt very relaxed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely wonderful. Kind, patient, but with enough authority for us all to want to do what he requested.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You must take warm clothes - you will need them on the mountains (we climbed in snow and very strong winds); you will need a hat and gloves whatever the season! Waterproofs essential. Take a torch.Be prepared for being cold in the gite at night before you retreat to your (hopefully) very warm sleeping bag. Once again, thermals needed and extra layers. Use a rucsac rather than carry the free unwieldy Exodus bag. When we received it, we checked it was ok to take a large rucsac instead and it was - much prefer to carry stuff on my back. (Plus of course a day sac).

Reviewed April 2012

LAND OF THE TIGER

Went looking for Tiger and found 18. A fantastic trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first wild Tiger on the first game drive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristna is one of the best leader I have had. Very organised, sensible and calm and extremly knowledgable on all things to do with wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This a hardcore wildlife watching with many hours spent in jeeps on hot rough tracks, many early starts and disapointing days. 2 Tigers in Pench NP, none in Kanha NP and 16 in Bandhavgarh NP. 7 days into the trip 50% of people on the trip had not seen a tiger but quickly caught up. I was able to do 17 games drives and 3 "Tiger Shows" and would advise anyone not to miss a single chance to see the wildlife.I would suggest that a supply of disposable builders Dust Masks is obtained before leaving home.

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLE CILENTO & AMALFI

Stunning scenery, knowleagable guide and the only way (apart from walking which would take a lot longer) to see Southern Italy. Weather was disappointing but the guide used his experience and knowledge of the area to take appropriate decisions regarding safety and overall enjoyment of the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The incredible experience of witnessing the stunning views around every corner, including the sounds and smells of the countryside (herbs, flowers and fruit) which cannot be experienced in a car. Also the high quality (and quantity) of the local food and wine which were incredibly good value in an area that I thought would be expensive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lievan acted as the perfect guide as well as translator and local area expert on this trip (with the advantage of him being an archeologist). His calm, professional approach and knowledge of the area gave us information/history that lazy people like myself would have had to research to find and also provided much needed breaks on those uphill climbs to point out a landmark or places of interest!! Lieven was great company during the trip and his support in time of need (searching for medical attention on a bank holiday and acting as interpretor) was very much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the uphill climbs (take your spds/cycling shoes to take the strain off your quads) and make sure you are experienced in cycling on busy roads as it can be quite nerve racking when a coach comes round one of those tight bends in front of/behind you.The first morning included a challenging 10kms climb in the rain!! The other days also consisted of several climbs (or 'small inclines' as described by our guide). A good level of fitness is required to keep together as a group, however, the back up van is always close by to assist if necessary. Make sure you take adequate layers/warm weather clothes (chilly in the evening) and waterproof jacket for cycling and sightseeing as we did experience a high level of rain on our particular trip.

Reviewed April 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A great holiday, fitting many of the highlights of Jordan into just one week. It was a compact trip, but full of different experiences, historic sites, contrasts and people. I would highly recommend this holiday, its a great value.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight of the trip was Petra. There are no words that can explain it. The two climbs to Ed Deir ( Monastary) and Attuf Ridge ( The High Place of Sacrifice) was an amazing experience. Second was sleeping under the stars with the Beduins in the Barrh camp in Siq Umm Tawaqi in Wadi Rum, after a camel ride earlier in the day, Lawrance of Arabia style!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny our group leader was superb, extremely knowledgable, a lot of fun to be with, also was a very serious when it came about his job, we had a great group, most of us were teachers, he could keep up with all of us in a very professional manner, inspired all of us with his deep passion, wisdom stories, explanations, going for extra miles to ensure everyone had a great time, nothing was too much trouble for him, all girls in our group thought of him as a great ambassador to his country, and made all of us fall in love with Jordanian people, I think he is one of the best guides I have ever seen in my life, period !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wadi Rum – I warmly suggest to bring your own sleeping bag, even though, they will provide you with one at the camp if you don't have, but I personally felt uncomfortable using one that has been used by different people previously.

Reviewed April 2012

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

A great adventure just a few hours flight from the UK! Stunning scenery and great people. Highly recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Daily treks out of the Neltner Refuge into stunning mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Hassan and Mohammed were excellent leaders and guides. Very friendly, informative, helpful and supportive. Very good at setting a pace appropriate for all members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have good quality boots that allow crampons to be fitted to them. Boots with good ankle support is, I think, essential. Remember to include clothing appropriate for a layer system as even though you may be in a cold environment intially, you will quickly warm up once trekking in the sunshine. Carry some antibiotics in case of travellers diahrroea. I was ill only for a day but was glad I had some Ciprofloxacin to hand! Make sure you drink plenty of water each day - aim for your urine to be clear (this may sound rather crude but it's an easy way of seeing how well hydrated you are). Wet-wipes / toilet roll are good to pack for when you are at the gite and at the refuge. I found having two trekking poles to be very helpful on ascent and descent. The Neltner refuge can get quite busy and crowded but there is not too much to do there so make sure you bring some music to listen to / DVDs to watch if you have a means of watching them / playing cards / travel games / good books etc. If you smoke then buy cigarettes in Imlil or Marrakech as you can't buy them at the refuge or in Armoud. On your last night in Marrakech, ask the guides about the excellent Berber restauraunt not far from Djemaa al-Fna.

Reviewed April 2012

THE AMALFI COAST

Amazing scenery. Unforgetable walk round the rim of Vesuvius. Visit to Pompei. Lovely hotel with cookery demonstrations in the evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

Pompei.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader got the balance just right between organizing everything so we didn't have to, but not nannying us too much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss the Cimberola gardens in Ravello on your rest day.

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLE MOROCCO'S GREAT SOUTH

A fantastic bike trip through the Atlas Mountains, each day of biking was more beautiful than the day before. I really fell in love with Morocco on this trip, and the biking routes were unbelievable. Lots of great rides through isolated areas and tiny villages – the mountains and the desert were all amazing to see.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of the hill climbs! Going down the Tizi-n-Test pass was terrifying but I was happy to make it through. The long descent on day three or four into Tarfroute was awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was a great group leader - very helpful, fun, and on top of everything. No complaints!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of long climbs on this - it would definitely have been helpful to practice hill climbs ahead of time. Bring some warm clothes even in April. Bring waterproof gear in case it rains! I was nervous ahead of time about being on really busy roads, but for the most part there was not much traffic where we were riding, which was great. When there is traffic, be careful, because there are some crazy drivers. The first hotel we stayed in after leaving Marrakech was a bit bare bones, but they are all better after that. Sometimes there is no hot water, but it's Morocco, so you just have to accept that, and most of the time there was hot water.

Reviewed April 2012

ESSENTIAL PERU

This trip was so much more than I had imagined! The country, the culture, the journey and our experiences all went well beyond my expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing together on the edge, seemingly of the universe itself, at the Macchu Pichu site as the misty early morning clouds dissipated, gazing down at the Urubamba River far below and the many surrounding mountain peaks above was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Mother Earth put us all in our proper place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour guide, Juan Cardenas of Cusc,o was an absolutely outstanding group leader. He was extremely knowledgeable about Peru's history, culture and current society, and has a wonderful way of working with a group to support, facilitate and harmonize. He constantly attended to our needs (health, technical, social etc) and was able to share his own personal and family experience of Peru in a way that was both genuine and uplifting. We all felt very fortunate to have such a talented guide on this legendary and intense tour of Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not underestimate the effects of altitude sickness after cumulative exposure at 3000m+. If you aren't sure you can avoid it, take the medicines prescribed, stay well hydrated and don't over-exert yourself. This trip is too precious to waste time while you are on it recovering from unnecessary illness.

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