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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33 Reviews
4.5 out of
5
Reviews
David Butterworth
Reviewed October 2019
A wonderful area to explore
Leisurely was the description….a fairly lively leisurely …. great trips, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful leader. Some amazing places to visit and accommodation to stay at – all comfortable and most very different.
Most Inspirational Moment
Supper with everyone at a farm where we were served with home grown produce, all of which was delicious
Thoughts on Group Leader
Pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take your camera with plenty of memory card space and don't forget the charger/s you'll need
Jen S
Reviewed May 2019
A taste of a lesser known region of Italy
This trip gave a flavour of the region of Puglia in more ways than one… Staying in four different locations across the week, we learned about the importance of olives and wine in the region with visits to a an olive grove for olive oil tasting and a factory for wine tasting, and were encouraged to try local specialities by our leader who at group meals ordered a range of typical dishes so that we could try a variety. Although not specifically a food tour, food has to be a major part of any trip to Italy…
Most Inspirational Moment
Exploring the alleyways of white-walled hill-town Ostuni as the sun was going down.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walks (I can't speak for the one from Otranto, which we were unable to do due to bad weather) were fairly flat and easy. The guided town tours are if anything more strenuous as they are longer! (Note, the one around beautiful Matera does involve a few steps and sloping paths, the only way of seeing this town built into the sides of a gorge). Walking trainers or even walking sandals are appropriate for all walks on this trip.
My personal advice - take your coffee the way the Italians do, stood at the counter with an espresso cup and a glass of water. It's quick, nice, local, gives you a caffeine boost, gives free access to a toilet, and usually there's cake available too!
To nut allergy sufferers - be aware that in this area hazelnut is commonly mixed with chocolate in pastries and desserts. There is a great love of Nutella! Always check before ordering!
Mike Wells
Reviewed November 2018
Varied tour of a fascinating region
The region was rewarding and not very touristy. Towns were full of atmosphere. Some enjoyable walks. Hotels were close to centres. Not too much coach travel and enough free time. Warm and friendly guide. But quite a bit of walking so
Might be difficult for those even with some mobility problems and not all accommodation great. Free day a bit problematic as limited public transport and a day in arivabello not all that interesting. But guide helped and we went to two nice towns so not insuperable. Local food and wine was good. Recommended but be prepared to walk
Most Inspirational Moment
The towns all full of atmosphere and the whole week more than any individual visit was inspirational
Thoughts on Group Leader
A lovely lady lively and energetic
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t go if you can’t walk easily or want luxury resorts. You might prepare by learning a little Italian as outside hotels English isn’t much spoken though you could get by
Lynette Zeitz
Reviewed November 2018
Great itinerary but let down by poor accommodation
The itinerary was very interesting and our tour leader Barbara was great. But the accommodation overall was not good. I wasn’t expecting luxury accommodation but clean and comfortable. However, in every hotel including the 4 star hotel in Ostuni there were problems for various members of the group but the worst was the Sassi accommodation in Matera where I had fresh black mould in my bathroom. Like the other recent reviewer, I found the included dinner very poor. Our group was also supplied with a minivan and bus on two different days that had broken seatbelts. I really would have liked to have rated this trip higher because the sights and experiences were great.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking around Alberobello and Matera
Thoughts on Group Leader
Barbara was a delight. Knowledgeable, warm and attentive to the different needs of the group.
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank Lynette for her feedback. Whilst we are pleased that she enjoyed the itinerary and found her tour leader, Barbara, to be great, we are very sorry that she was disappointed with aspects of the accommodation. The properties on this tour are usually in typical Apulian style buildings and generally receive positive feedback, so we regret if members of her group encountered issues. The hotel in Matera is carved from rock, thus reflecting the typical and unique architecture of the town, but the material sometimes causes issues with dampness when it rains and we are sorry that this affected Lynette’s stay. We have followed up the issue regarding the broken seatbelts with our local operator to ensure with the transport supplier that this does not reoccur. Marta Marinelli – Product Manager
Verity Barnes
Reviewed September 2018
Great tour but disappointing hotels
I thought the tour was great and enjoyed where we visited and the activities included.
I was disappointed with the hotels. Only the hotel in Ostuni was 4 star; and the rest 3 star.
This tour cost a lot more than Riviera, Just You or Travelsphere and only Had 2 meals included.
I was expecting it to be a cut above the rest for the price paid.
The tour was good and the tour manager excellent. Shame it was let down by the choice of accommodation. I also found the places we stayed in to be much too touristy.
Most Inspirational Moment
When I went on my own to Polignano a Mare for the night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are fussy about where you stay then don’t book this tour.
Jan Watson
Reviewed June 2018
Wonderful trip in Puglia
I loved every minute of this very diverse tour. Every day was different and very interesting, our group leader Fabrizio was awesome and the individual group participants were lovely and lots of fun. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
Matera was a highlight - I wish I had arranged for extra days there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Awesome! Very informative and loads of fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Embrace the diversity of this tour.
Howard Jones
Reviewed June 2018
Outstanding Italy Trip
Great combination of sightseeing, excursions, walking and activities in Puglia.
Most Inspirational Moment
Trullo hotel in Alberobello was lovely; Matera was fascinating - luxurious cave-dwelling.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Barbara was really excellent - efficient, knowledgeable and friendly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
No need for hiking boots, but bring sturdy sensible footwear for the walking. Some rough tracks and cobblestones involved.
Mike Giles
Reviewed June 2018
Been to Italy? Now visit Puglia
Like many people we meet we did not know Puglia existed until we saw this trip. A gem of a region, very different and so suited to a short leisurely summer trip when time is a constraint to a full-on distant adventure tour for which Exodus is otherwise renowned. Distances travelled are comparatively short so it easy to fit in many of the historic, architectural and geological sights with ease.
Most Inspirational Moment
The caves at Castellana are pretty impressive and the largest complex we have ever visited. However, a ‘Wow’ moment, after arriving at a fairly grotty end of Matera, was stepping onto the main square viewing platform to overlook the entire “Sassi” in which we were to later stay and explore.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Barbara Schito was our tour leader and guide in all aspects of the trip. As a native of Puglia she was so enthusiastic in her wish to impart her knowledge and love of the region. Her delivery is passionate and charming and so much part of the whole experience
Advice for Potential Travellers
The food (and wine) of the region is first class and we found it to be reasonably priced having spent only 60% of our budget. As meat-eaters we were very pleased to find ristorante Carnivori in Lecce with choice cuts in the chill cabinet, cooked and served in traditional style before embarking on a week dominated by (very nice) pizzas, pastas and breads.
Linda Williams
Reviewed June 2018
Highlights of puglia
Excellent trip
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting e olive oil farm
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent could have been more helpful
Colin Southward
Reviewed June 2018
Very enjoyable
A great week of cycling in a mix of road, old tracks, villages and town. An opportunity to swim in the Ionian Sea and Adriatic.
Great real local food.
Usual high standard of the guide and his knowledge of the area
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling with a diverse group in an exceptionalarea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very knowledgeable and good at organizing stops to see the different ares of interest.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some training before you go.
Try the local dishes.