Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was a great group leader
Advice for Potential Travellers
Leeches… in Sumatra even though I was wearing walking shoes, trousers and socks they still got me. I would take gaiters or thicker socks next time.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Some good some bad…
Some parts of this trip were great. But like the previous reviewer the accommodation on the boat really let it down. The ppl in the cabins had a much better time as they were able to sleep. I read the trip notes and understood it to be shared bunk rooms with communal bathrooms. But it’s double cabins that have private bathrooms. No shared facilities, no where to store your stuff and sleeping on the deck was ok until the boat moved both nights (around 1am – 5am). Making it incredibly noisy, windy and cold on deck. If I understood this I doubt I would of booked this trip.
A truly mind blowing experience!
We went on this tour in September 2024, and really did have the most unbelievable time.
Each day brought something new and exciting, from hearing Hyenas while trying to sleep, to having Elephants walk just past camp.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sunset on the salt pan was amazing! The chef, Mike, put on a bbq of Steaks and Boerewors for us, which we enjoyed just as the sun disappeared, and the stars started showing. Brian then spent time teaching us about the stars (using the worlds brightest laser pen) which was so informative!
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 4 guys who looked after us on this tour - Brian, Mike, Timoth and Moeti. They were all amazing, and so helpful throughout the two weeks. Brian himself basically becomes everyone’s favourite person, he’s so well informed on just about everything, and does his best to make sure you get to experience Botswana in the best way possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared to be uncomfortable, some drives are very long (although broken up the frequent wildlife spotting). When at the wild campsites there is quite a long break between the morning drive finishing and the afternoon drive starting. We found this to be quite tough, as it can get very hot! So make sure when Brian says to buy supplies, get some soft drinks alongside the beers, to make the day a bit easier! Having read a previous review I decided to take a trail cam along with me, and after a few nights of not getting too much action, I managed to capture a Hyena sniffing around the camp fire! So definitely worthwhile bringing one along if you’re interested!
Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride
Excellent trip despite hurricane-like weather. Our team – Dinish, Theresa and Lionel kept everything moving along safely and timely and kept us motivated and encouraged in spite of weather. They worked together navigating difficult conditions and unexpected events – fallen trees on path. It was an adventure that I won’t soon forget!
Most Inspirational Moment
Riding together in storms and seeing Lionel ahead waiting to offer assistance.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent- knowledgeable and passionate about his country and his work.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Check weather before leaving and pack enough gear to be ready. Also, more hilly than I expected so consider e-bike if uncertain. You won’t be sorry!
Not up to Exodus standards
This was my 5th trip with Exodus and the first time I left feeling unsatisfied. The cost of the trip seemed excessive for what we received. The hotels were not great and food was uninspiring – we passed through lots of lovely little towns and villages and yet on 2 particular occasions stopped in less desirable places for lunch at an odd American styled bar and a buffet style cafe on a busy road. We stayed in masserias two nights instead of one which meant two nights of nothing to do in the afternoon / evenings. People in the hotels and restaurants were very unfriendly and rude. The leader was ok but did nothing above the basics. We had 10 people on e-bikes which in my opinion was way too many as most were inexperienced cyclists.
Most Inspirational Moment
The ride along the coast was beautiful. The Adriatic Sea was absolutely gorgeous. Matera was fascinating and beautiful, especially at night.
Thoughts on Group Leader
In my past tours with Exodus, the leaders have been amazing, going above and beyond. At each town we stayed at, there would be a planned meeting time after the ride where the leader would take us into town, show us the sights and then do a group dinner at a lovely restaurant. The guide on this tour did not do that. Other than the first night and the last night, where all he did was offer to walk people to the chosen restaurant, we were left to our own devices and never saw our guide until the next morning. He made very little effort to mingle or be part of the group. When we ended in Lecce, we were told there was a train strike. Apparently this has been announced in the media a few days prior but never communicated to us. Everyone in the group had to travel away from Lecce and most had planned to take the train. Very little assistance was offered by our guide, and his advice to me was to go sit at the train station and see what happens. Not helpful. One woman had pre-booked a transfer through exodus but we were told by our guide that it was a small car and there was no room for us to join. We were later advised by the woman that it was in fact a 7 seater van and that her and the guide were the only occupants. We ended up having to pay €350 for a private transfer to insure we made our flight.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was VERY windy during our rides which made them far more difficult than they should have been. Be prepared for that if you go in October as apparently this is normal. When you ride on the coast, bring your swim suit and swim at the beautiful spots on the breaks as the towns you stay in do not have nearly as beautiful swim spots, despite what you may be told.
Pure magic
I’ve wanted to visit Japan for many years, and this more than lived up to expectations. There were times that I felt overwhelmed (Tokyo), and times that I was walking in the woods. A nice mix of free time and structured tours.
Most Inspirational Moment
Philospher's Walk in Kyoto
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gary was excellent. Very thoughtful and well organized.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is all done by public transit, which is easy and efficient. But there tend to be a lot of stairs, you need to be on time, and you should pack lightly. Do not bother with a bathing suit -- onsens don't allow them.
Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean!
This action-packed cultural trip ticked every box imaginable for me. We saw incredible wildlife including leopards, water buffaloes and caimans on game drives in Yala National Park. We got the chance to taste the famous tea in lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and find out more about the process from leaf to cup. The group also got to see fire-dancing performances in Kandy one evening, which gave us a real insight into the country’s fascinating customs and traditions. The hotels on this trip are also incredible – we were lucky enough to have unobstructed views of Sigiriya Rock from Hotel Sigiriya and breathtaking sunset views overlooking the lush islands in Giritale. The last hotel, Hotel Cinnamon Red, also had a brilliant affinity pool – taking in the skyscrappers of Colombo! For the adventurous, this itinerary doesn’t disappoint either as you can go on whitewater rafting excursions, rural cycling trips and whale watching (in season). Visits to colourful temples, fresh fruit markets and the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home were other cultural pitstops that gave you a real flavour of what the country was like. Once I arrived home, I wanted to do it all over again. It was an incredible trip with a great group of people that I’ll treasure forever.
Most Inspirational Moment
It had to be when we arrived at the Giritale Hotel - the views blew me away. The open-air lounge was the perfect place for a sundowner. The group got together to watch the sunset with a couple of lion beers and we got the pleasure of watching purple-faced langurs running around with their babies clinging to their bellies as they rummaged through the shrubbery a stone's throw away from where we were sitting. It was incredible watching the sun go down behind the lush islands, and watching the monkeys scurry around - I've never been in a hotel like it!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roshan was an incredible leader - he's worked for over 20 years as an Exodus expert guide, so his local knowledge and experience was second to none! He was approachable, friendly and informative - everything a great leader should be, I couldn't recommend him enough. He really enhanced the group's experience and it was such a great trip that we'll all remember forever - thanks for everything Roshan!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring temple socks for hot days, when you need to remove your shoes to walk around the temples - they were really useful!
Fantastic Trip
Spent a great week walking in Sierra de Aitana. The walks were challenging but well worth the effort. The views from the summits were spectacular. Jose was a great guide and as he was local he was so knowledgeable about the area and passionate about his country. He made us lovely sandwiches for lunch and we also had pasta one day. Jose’s mother made little cotton lunch bags for us to use for the week – a nice touch. The accommodation was more than I expected – clean, good breakfasts and a lovely 3 course meal with wine in the evening. The drinks are very reasonably priced. There was a room set aside for Exodus and coffee, tea, milk and biscuits were provided. Raquel and Pepe who ran the hostel were a joy! Jose’s dog Bobi joined us on our last 2 walks. So friendly and well behaved. It was also nice to meet Sara.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved all the walks, there was something different every day but I really enjoyed the Simas Limestone fissures and scaling Aitana Peak.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jose was lovely, funny, kind, approachable and safe. We had a briefing every day about the next days walk so we knew what to expect
Advice for Potential Travellers
Mosquitoes! Make sure you have a good repellent. Study boots/walking shoes as lots of scree. If you use walking poles bring them. Plenty of water bottles or water reservoir - the hostels tap water was drinkable. My trip was in October and the sea was still quite warm so you may wish to bring your swims as Jose took us to Villajoysa after one of the walks.
PICOS PARADISE
Another superb Exodus adventure. An excellent and varied walk program. The Hotel Torrecerredo was of a very high standard with delicious meals provided each day. The owners Jim & Pilar were brilliant hosts too. Special mention also to Adolfo-brilliant character! We had a small group of 8 and we all got on really well right from the start.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Cares Gorge walk was amazing with breathtaking views. Simply stunning.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thomaz is a superb leader in every way. Highly experienced, very well organised and above all just great company with a great sense of humour. He contributed massively to my enjoyment of the trip. Thanks Thomaz.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book this trip! This was my 15th trip with Exodus. Cannot recommend this company highly enough!
Add Carla's Douro Valley to your Bucket List
Why is Carla’s Douro Valley tour so uniquely magical? Because she grew up here and still lives in the region, therefore she knows the nature trails, the roads, and the hidden gems like the back of her hand. Plus the itinerary is educational AND a lot of fun!
Most Inspirational Moment
The most awe-inspiring moment for me was our first hike along the Corgo River walking trail. The panoramic views of the terraced vineyards, gardens, mountains, river and valleys under a bright blue sky were like being in the middle of an IMAX movie, surrounded by beauty so breathtaking, it almost made me dizzy!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Carla has set an impossibly high bar. I cannot commend her and thank her enough for making my first visit to Portugal the fabulous vacation that it was. Thanks to Carla, not only did the beauty and culture of the Douro Valley meet my expectations, it exceeded them from day one and just kept getting better! You can tell she loves what she does - her tour is truly one-of-a-kind (you'll see what I mean).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring layers, comfortable non-slip walking shoes, rain gear just in case, and be flexible if the weather doesn't cooperate. TRUST CARLA!!! She will make it special no matter what.
Weather-challenged but enjoyable week
Another excellent holiday that could have been a real slog in the wet and windy weather but was turned around by the great Exodus support team. The overall planning of the trip was first-rate and its execution outstanding. The beautiful countryside, wonderful scenery and fascinating history was bought to life during our cycling adventure. Great hotels, restaurants and coffee shops ensured we stayed fit and healthy despite often being very damp and windswept!
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the enormous Atlantic rollers after the overnight storm.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Dinis was such a good leader I have nominated him for the leader award.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If cycling in the rain don't bother wearing socks!