Reviews

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

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332 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

The best holiday I ever had in my life so far. Wonderful scenery, wonderful guide and wonderful group.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of Lac Blanc on the third day of the walk. While having lunch beside the lake, I felt for moment that all my dreams are fulfilled. Even after a week from the holiday, I still stare at my photos from that day. It is hard to explain the scenery in one word as you can see the snow caped mountains,beautiful lake, refugee, ibex (mountain goats) etc in single location. For facebook users, you will be confused which photo to be made your profile photo.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In one word, "perfect". I still wonder how a person can manage these many days of walking in a year.Being my first walking holiday, I was a bit worried about the difficulty of walking for five days. But he set the walk speed in such a way that we never feel the strain of walk. I was even ready for walk on the sixth day also. He kept on interacting each and every member of the walk and made sure the group enjoys the walk. Another thing not missed out is the endless flow of jokes from his mouth, But you have to listen carefully to understand them, which I couldn't do most of the times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walk is within the limits of anybody who is used to 5-6 hours of weekend walking. Longest walks are on third and last day. I will be very helpful if you practice multiple days walking as we are tend to relax on the next day of our weekend walk. Being a centre based walking, we have the option of not to walk on any days if we dont feel like. Personally I will advise you not to miss out walk on third day (Lac Blanc). Also never ever forget waterproofs on any day of the walk.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This was truly a GREAT week and a GREAT walking tour! It starts with the friendly Chalet where you live, to the guide (Oliver) who is simply superb to the actual trekking days which were all very nicely planned out and offered a little bit of a different twist to every day to keep it exciting!

Most Inspirational Moment

The second day where we started to walk from Courmayeur in Italy and where the full day was basically "postcard views" every single minute!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver, the groupleader & guide was one of the highlights of the trip! A trip like this can be a success or a none success based on the tourleader and Oliver got it ALL right! The greatness of the trip is partly made by Oliver who is knowledgeable, funny, interesting and had a great way of making the full group feel special!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We can 100% recommend this trip! The tempo of the daily walks are set at a very reasonable pace so anybody can really make it without any pre-training. As the trip notes point out, be aware that the rooms in the chalet are quite small and basic.An extra bonus to the Chalet (on top of the the great food and the outdoor jacuzzi) is that the Chalet has very good wireless connection so if you have to check back with work or need system access its very handy!

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A fabulous introduction to walking in the Alps. Oliver choreographed a terrific week which took us into stunning scenery and must take full credit (ably abetted by Elaine and Dylan) for sensitively taking care of the whole group’s needs. Thanks for a great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are too many highlights to pick out one, but memories will remain - the traverse around Mont de la Saxe on the Italian side of Mont Blanc stands out as a fantastic walk through Alpine meadows full of flowers; spotting Ibex at Lac Blanc and lunches at refuges (particularly the stunning views from below the Col de Voza).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was a real star. He paced the walks perfectly taking full account of everyone's abilities. He was informative and knowledgeable and was always sensitive to group needs. He received great back up from Elaine who provided wholesome cooking and provided great pack lunches as well as ensuring that the Chalet felt like a "home from home".

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are graded as "B". This fits well with the description in the brochure. If you are super fit, then be prepared to rein yourself in for the benefit of the rest of the group and recognise that there is much to be said for slowing down a little to take in the fantastic views and enjoy the comaraderie engendered and nurtured by Oliver.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Excellent week. Oliver was a fantastic guide and looked after the whole group professionally and expertly. Elaine provided fabulous food the whole week and although I don’t usually eat cake – her cakes are so delicious I had one everyday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole week was brilliant. I loved each walk as they were all different in terms of the immediate landscape but always with the mountains as the stunning backdrop.Eating pear and chocolate tart and drinking hot chocolate at a mountain refuge in the sunshine with clear blue skies was a real moment of joy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. One of the best leaders I have had on a group activity holiday. This is because he paid attention to the needs of the whole group and worked hard to ensure we all enjoyed the walking and the landscape.Elaine provided food for the week and she did so incredibly well. The food was excellent and the amount available was brilliant. In fact I would have to admit to eating a little too much. Large breakfast and lunch (enough to spread over '2' lunches), and a 3 course dinner. Good job I was on a walking holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This holiday is for you if you want a good introduction to the area, enjoy taking in the views and time to appreciate the journey.It is important to understand the grading of the walk as this will determine the level of the group that you will be walking with all week.If you want to use a holiday to push your own physical fitness then you need to understand your own fitness levels and how this compares to the walk selected.This holiday is graded as a B and this is a sound description of the walks.Oliver is a true group leader and will set the pace of the walk according to the needs of the group, as he should. I found the pace on the holiday good and it was great to see the whole group enjoying the walking. There was a great deal of diversity in our group, from marathon runners (not me!) to regularish walkers. But we all enjoyed the walking thanks to Oliver.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This trip was fantastic as it combined trekking in Mont Blanc during the day with the luxury of chalet accommodation in the evenings!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking was fantastic and the views were amazing - especially on the final day on Aguillette des Houches! I really liked seeing Mer De Glace on the free day - i've never had the chance to go inside a glacier before and it was amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver our leader was very funny and very knowledgable about the local area. He paces the walks just right- you get to have regular rests to catch your breath and he made sure we were all enjoying ourselves.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice would be to take all the essential equipment and clothing as the weather changes quickly on the mountains!

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Fantastic trip with great walks and gorgeous mountain views

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mont Blanc when it finally appeared out of the bits of cloud that always seem to be on it's summit Scoffing myrtle tart surrounded by lovely flowers and enormous mountains Watching the Mont Blanc marathon competitors dragging themselves up the Col de Posettes - might be back one day to do it myself

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is an excellent leader - very knowledgeable about the mountains, the wildlife and the local area. We had to change a couple of the planned routes due to thunder storms, Oliver came up with really nice lower level safer walks to avoid the worst of the weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack all your gear for hot weather and also wet weather, we had everything over the week!

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

If you enjoy being safe in good company amongst majestic scenery this is a super holiday. We had a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The solitude and amazing views in the Ferret valley. The wild flowers were particularly stunning there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver behaves in a very professional manner. As an experienced leader safety was paramount and was very reassuring in some tricky weather conditions. He endeavoured to make each day enjoyable and educational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember this is a group holiday, not a competition.Be prepared for all weather conditions, and be flexible.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This was a fabulous trip. The views were spectacular, the hikes were challenging enough to make me feel fit by the end of the week, but not so difficult as to make me scramble for life. Oliver and Elaine were magnificent – they constantly made sure that we have fun, are well fed, and are safe.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from Aiguillette du Brevent on the last day was spectacular. But the whole week was filled with inspirational moments. We were all taking photos uncontrollably.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is fantastic! He is knowledgable, fun, funny, and very responsible. He went out of his way to make sure we all feel comfortable. I also thought he was really great at gauging the group's aggregate fitness. His wife Elaine should be mentioned as well. She manages the Chalet and cooks all the delicious meals throughout the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring wet-proofs as it does rain on occasion, even in the summer! I found walking poles to be really useful.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A seamless complete walking package/experience that resulted in absolute enjoyment & many wow factors.Good Alpine walking suited for all ages with average/reasonable hill walking fitness – even for retirees.The joy of being expertly led.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking with constant views & spectacular viewpoints.Profusion of flowers against magnificent backdrops.Paragliding alongside Mont Blanc.Views from the hot tub.Views from L`Aiguille du Midi on a good day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Everything you would hope for - well organised, people skills, knowledgeable(local conditions, geography/geology, flowers, guiding) experienced leader, clear expectations, sense of humour, joyful, calm, considerate & supportive, helpful, willingness to share, mindful & informative of potential difficulties, mindful of the whole group, to be trusted. Oliver & wife Elaine were central to a warm, comfortable, much enjoyed house party.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Crocs or similar to walk to & from the hot tub unless you prefer bare feet on gravel.Walking poles are so helpful.The trip notes include everything you need to know especially clothing & walking days.The walks have achievable challenges which add to the enjoyment.Need to be able to carry up to 2 litres of water.No need for Swiss francs.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

The walks were definitely challenging for an occasional hiker such as myself and the trip notes are well written in this regard. An experienced, individual hiker might find Grade C treks more suitable, however. Views were lovely but not awe-inspiring. I found the chalet very clean, cosy and comfortable. Elaine worked hard in the kitchen to produce well-planned and balanced meals. Word of warning; if you’re not used to the French diet be prepared to put on a few pounds despite all the daily exercise! The third floor lounge is spacious and a great gathering spot before and after dinner. Refreshments were economically priced and well-stocked. If you’re looking for a reasonably paced holiday with very well-informed and like-minded travellers, this won’t disappoint.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 3 that took us past the "Spencer Tracey" hut. Best views on the whole trip in my opinion. All the wildflowers: I grow many of the same in my own alpine gardens at home and it was a delight to see them in their natural environs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have to agree with some of the comments made by a previous reviewer. Oliver was more than a little cranky at times and certainly overbearing in his admonishments and lectures to a few members of the group. There were wide variances in ability levels and some folks walked ahead of the group at times. This turned out to be unacceptable for safety and liability reasons but I'm not sure that the resultant very public and lengthy dressing down was appropriate. It created some hard feelings and then confusion when the leader's pace abruptly changed part way through the tour. Clearly, it is very important to follow his advice and his lead at all times both for your own safety and that of the group. and to keep things harmonious. Despite his cranky outbusts, Oliver took his job seriously. He was very safety-conscious and always made sure that group members were properly outfitted and equipped. He was a fount of information about the wildflowers, although I found it difficult to engage him in additional conversation on this topic. He obviously knows the routes extremely well and is very fit and capable. Some of the primary routes were off-limits due to remaining snow and rain-related washouts but Oliver chose some alternatives to avoid these hazards. Last but certainly not least, I was extremely grateful that he waited for my delayed flight at the airport in Geneva. I was last to arrive and I think some of the group had been waiting for some time. I appreciated his consideration knowing that alternate transport to the chalet would have been inconvenient and expensive to arrange last-minute. He has a rather eccentric taste in movies which he made available to us in the evenings in the lounge. Good for a few laughs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take all the mandatory equipment listed. You will need and use all of it. A bandana worked better than a hat for me (and a couple of others). I found my binoculars to be a useless addition and abandoned carrying them after the first day. Be quick on the shutter button if you like to take lots of pics. There wasn't ample opportunity to do so unless during the two daily breaks. If you're not a regular hill walker, be prepared for the effects of steep and long ascents. It took me a couple of days to get my "legs". On the last day, be sure to take more water at the signposted stream on the way up. It's a longer walk than the others and one of our party ended up dehydrated despite relatively cool conditions. The walk into Chamonix on the day off takes longer than suggested and doesn't really follow the river as advertised. But it's popular with locals and certainly very safe. Don't get too concerned if Oliver's directions for getting to and from the chalet, seem vague. You'll find that it's quite easy to get around either walking or by bus. You will receive a free bus pass at the beginning of the trip which comes in very handy. I found the chalet meals to be hearty and filling but I noticed a couple of the bigger, more active chaps, could have used a little extra food. The servings are set so if you're bringing a big appetite, you may want to consider packing or purchasing some snacks.

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