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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39 Reviews
4.5 out of
5
Reviews
john holland
Reviewed May 2018
Cycling the camino
Well organised trip staying almost completely on the camino route, with good hotels, good guides, and a great group of people.
Most Inspirational Moment
The start in Leon was impressive, but the lovely people and hospitality along the route was inspirational.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both leaders very good
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get fit before hand. The trip is quite challenging.
Suggestions
Bikes could have been slightly better. Disc brakes would have been safer, and chains coming off should be avoided.
David Netherwood
Reviewed September 2017
Great trip, great guide, and great group
The atmosphere along the Camino is great, you quickly lose count of how many time you exchange “Bon Camino” with others on the way. The country side is lovely, especial the closer you get the Santiago.
Our guide Daniel was excellent, he kept us going but without being bossy. I don’t know how he did it but he created an experience that we all enjoyed.
The accommodation was really well chosen – the first night was little bland, but after that we stayed in really charming places, all were clean, comfortable, and welcoming.
Our group was quite diverse, both in age, fitness and backgrounds, but we all got on really well – makes the last day rather sad.
There is no doubt about it, Spain really is hilly, so be prepared, and the last day is long (I skipped a bit in the van) but well worth it.
I’m a vegetarian. The trip notes mention the need to be “flexible”. Spain is not the best place for vegi food, Daniel did his best, but don’t expect a wide variety – but you should still go!
Most Inspirational Moment
So many to chose from - hurtling down a hill in 10 minutes when it took hours to climb it, arriving in the main square at Santiago de Compestella, dinners with the group, mist over the mountains. One of my rooms with a balcony over the way itself.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Really really nice guy who knows what he is doing, puts himself out to make sure we all had a great holiday. How he put up with us asking how many hills there were today I don't know. A real star. Thanks Daniel.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Prepare for the hills, my cycling at home is on the flat. If it gets too much there is always the van
I did it in September - you need a packable jacket for the cold starts that then become warm days. Can be cool in the evening.
Suggestions
Thank you! Already cogitating over my next trip.
Tony Chau
Reviewed September 2016
Camino de Santiago Cycle Ride, Sept 16
We have been to a number of Exodus rides but this one stands out because 1) It was a “door to door” ride – we rode to/from the hotel from beginning to end without any bus transfer 2) We had some non-technical off road sections which was great 3) The leaders were great (see below) 4) It was a very interesting ancient route (we rode the “Camino”) and had amazing churches and Castles en route that one could collect stamps on your Camino passport 5) We had great weather (quite hot for Sept. in the first few days but turned cooler towards the end) + the food was wonderful and cheap….
Most Inspirational Moment
We had a great group of cyclist with similar ability and everyone got on well. The climb to O'Cebreiro was quite "cheeky" and I am glad that we made it! The scenery was wonderful and we got there during a festival / market day which was unexpected in such a village that is so high up. Finally, arriving in Santiago with everyone getting a certificate for riding the Camino was also very special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jose was very knowledgable (he knew exactly the terrain, distance in detail so we knew exactly what to expect and how to pace ourselves - but "undulating" means quite a few ups!). The places that we stopped for coffee, ice cream, lunch, dinner were all wonderful. Guillemo, our support driver/mechanic was also great. We never had our Saddles/Paddles fitted and removed for us in previous trips + we had great support from him (making sure our bottles were filled, checking the tyre pressure, fitting the squeaks....) throughout the trip with a smile.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We thought it was just a cycling trip and didn't know anything about the "St. James Way" and the pilgrims walking the trail. It was a very interesting experience but I wished I read up more about the history before hand.
Suggestions
There were some wonderful long down hill descent and Jose controlled the speed well at the front and make sure that we didn't do anything stupid. The views were wonderful and make sure you took the time to enjoy it.
James Carder (Exodus Sales Manager)
Reviewed May 2016
Cycling the Camino de Santiago
This was a great trip and I was happy to give it 5 starts (I don’t give every Exodus trip 5 stars either).
I was not sure about of number of things before setting off but the trip ticked all of the boxes – great cycling, excellent leaders, a fun group, excellent weather (most of the time), fantastic and cheap food and a beautiful part of the world. What more could you ask for from 1 week in Spain.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably the good nature of the pilgrims, it’s a tough walk some had been on the road for weeks, they were always friendly, willing to let us pass and wishing us a good trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Danny and Alfonso were excellent, always positive, available and they offered first class support along the way.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Having read the reviews of this trip regarding the grade of cycling before departing I got the impression that the grading was a bit complicated, some clients saying it was challenging and some saying it was moderate, so I was not sure what to expect. In truth It’s a little problematical as it comes down to a number of factors such as fitness, cycling ability and weather conditions. What is certain is that this is no simple moderate itinerary, there is too much variety in the cycling (climbs, off road, rough track, technical sections) but it’s also far from challenging the majority of the time (unless it rains all day) so the moderate/challenging grade is probably appropriate but in good weather closer to moderate than challenging.
Suggestions
Have fun.
Maeve Walsh
Reviewed August 2015
Cycle The Camino De Santiago
Enjoyable part of Spain to see with pretty countryside and interesting history to learn from the tour.
Most Inspirational Moment
The little villages were lovely to cycle through such as Villafrance and Palas De Rei. The 9km climb up to the village of O'Cebreiro was a nice challenge for fit or moderately fit people.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Javier was our group leader with Jose as the driver. Both individuals are extremely nice and considerate. They were always happy to chat and remained pilot and friendly throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We stayed in villages or very small towns so no need to pack anything too dressy for night time wear in the restaurants or pubs !!!
Suggestions
The trip is graded moderate/challenging. This was my 4th cycling trip for this same grading with Exodus. Although i did n't think it was challenging except for maybe 30 mins on a few occasions, some of the group that were with me were not fit enough to be on this trip. There's a few climbs you have to do which you need decent fitness for but overall if you are quite fit, you might be bored as its not as challenging as other Exodus cycling holidays.
Victoria Loxley
Reviewed June 2015
Camino de Santiago
An excellent trip with glorious weather – we were so lucky! 2 fab guides, great cycling, amazing food and mucho vino tinto! Thoroughly recommended and brilliant off road on the camino at times made for a different experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing to the top of the hill at O'Cebreiro and arriving above the clouds - a spectacular view and worth the slog!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Javier and Alfonso were great company and did an excellent job to all us English!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some training beforehand!
Stephen Pokoly
Reviewed May 2015
Captivating Camino
Week long bike adventure was the perfect mix of intense physical activity and sightseeing / touring.
Most Inspirational Moment
The challenging uphills were made worthwhile upon reaching the summit of the small mountains (1.500 m)...and then of course the smooth downhill cruise after.
Thoughts on Group Leader
fantastic
Karen Cheesman
Reviewed May 2015
Camino de Santiago
A challenging trip with many hills & steep descents but very enjoyable.
Most Inspirational Moment
There was a huge amount of satisfaction at finishing the ride & cycling into Santiago together as a group.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jose & Javier were excellent & very attentive, nothing was too much trouble for them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you are fit before undertaking this trip.
Suggestions
The hotels were much better than I expected & the food lovely.
Stephen Webb
Reviewed October 2014
Camino de Santiago
This was a terrific cycling holiday with some challenging and varied riding days. The guides, Nacho and Xavier, were well organized as well as being humorous and entertaining. Each day brought different challenges whether that be riding a trail that was more akin to a mountain bike trail or the 6km killer hill that was so thick with fog at tge end that it felt eerie or even the 14km downhill which was a great opportunity to get in touch with your inner child.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the 6km killer hill that was prefaced by a 4km hill that was challenging in its own right. It was at the end of a 62km day and after backing up from such a miserable previous day it was quite a euphoric feeling charging up that hill ( I made it a workout and gave myself a time to do it in)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nacho was terrific. A great personality who was good for a laugh but also took his role as leader very seriously.
His offsider Xavier, was a great back up and the two of them made a great team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you train properly. If you are coming out of an Australian winter try and do at least 3 Spin sessions a week. If you can get out complement the Spin classes with some hill training on a real bike. If you are a fair weathered cyclist and you like to ride around a lake on a Sunday this isn't the trip for you . Like most things in life you only get out of it what you put in. Most people don't do strenuous cycling 6 days in a row let alone challenging hills that you will encounter on this trip. Have a coke at lunch time too it helps you get through the afternoon.
Suggestions
I think Exodus should provide an exercise program in their trip notes so that people understand what they will be in for. The tour isn't a race but it's better to be fit so you enjoy everything the tour has to offer.
The mountain bikes we had were better than expected.
The hotels were also better than the brochure suggested.
Adrian Alexander
Reviewed July 2014
Camino de Santiagp
I didn’t know whether to go on this trip selfguided or guided and I’m glad I chose the guided option because I would have missed so much by myself. The two guides were a fantasic team and took us to the best restaurants , on the best routes and to the best places. The best holiday I’ve ever had. Perfect weather, good company in a small group of 8, fantastic cheap food with many local specialities and terrfic varied cycling. As soon as I got back home I booked a similar trip to Italy with Exodus.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the top of the Monte de la Cruz de Ferro where the guides had organised a picnic of local produce that was more like a banquet.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic, informative, caring, passionate about his country and very funny.