Reviews

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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14330 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2013

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

This trip was all the best of Exodus in one go. A wonderfully balanced mix, every day a new aspect of Carpathian life. I went with my mum who said it was our best Exodus trip yet. It’s really wonderful to be in an agricultural area where things are not about romancing the past to please the tourists.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the horse and cart ride, actually. Doesn't sound that inspirational, but I was worried it would feel a bit kitsch, something put on for us because we were visitors. How wrong I was! We were passed by no less than three working horse and carts during the first half an hour, carrying bales of hay driven by fathers and sons. And all the animals are really well looked after, healthy and happy working animals. The Saxon village was wonderful. We ate lunch there, and the wine (homebrew of course) was so good we bought several bottles to take home. You could see the grapes growing on the trellis.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmin was superb. He had a great sense of humour and was very good at looking out for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather is changeable in the mountains so come prepared for all eventualities! Even if it's boiling hot a rain shower can come rolling in in a matter of minutes (as I learned when I left my coat behind).

Reviewed January 2013

WALKING THE AMALFI COAST

I thought visiting Pompeii and Capri would be the highlight of the trip but for me it was the great walks. I felt hugely fitter after the week’s worth of walks and would have been happy to book another the following week but alas I was out of holiday leave.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best walk was down through the Ferriere National Park to Amalfi, through Autumnal Hobbit forest, magical waterfalls and lemon groves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jo Payne was a great leader. Her judgment was spot on for the situation. On some of the tricky sections of the walk involving ledges she managed the risky situation very well and was supportive to members of the group, particularly those that suffered from vertigo. At all times however it felt like she was just your mate on holiday with you which is a bit of a trick. She possibly been the best tour leader I have come across with Exodus and I've been on a few of your holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles would be a great help on this trip as there are a great many steps down from Bomerano to Amalfi and mitigate some of the stress on your knees.

Reviewed January 2013

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF CORSICA

Excellent hotel with great food. Atmospheric village in a remote spot. Great scenery. Very friendly people in the group, we all got on well.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful woods and views from the mountains sides. Seeing the semi wild pigs was somehow very interesting.Swimming in a mountain river pool was perhaps the best thing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good sense of safty and well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is easy. There are a lots of woods, so you will love it if woods are your thing. They really look undisturbed by mankind or industry. Do not go in big boots to the seaside, you will look like a being from another planet ( as I did! I also persuaded my mate that boots would be needed for the coast walking.There were many curses). Go with icecream and beach in mind.

Reviewed January 2013

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA AND PANAMA

You can’t not enjoy this holiday. The cycling is not strenuous and you can go at your own pace. The scenery and wildlife was impressive. This holiday provides a good mixture of cycling and wildlife watching.

Most Inspirational Moment

Panama has to be the big surprise. What a beautiful country. The 2 nights on the Carribean island of Bocas Torres has to be the highlight. As a group we chose to go dolphin watching, snorkeling and swimming off fantastic Red Crab Bay. Pina Colladas dressed in flowery shirts or tinsel topped it off!Drinking Pina Colladas in the hot springs with all the group in La Fortuna was also a pretty special evening.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob looked after us extremely well with the help of Britt, and back up of Luis and Ronald. Somebody was always there to escort me in at the back! They also let me do a bit of social organising!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The standard of accommodation and food was higher than I expected. I was pleasntly surprised about the standard of hotels and restaurants in which we ate most nights.Be prepared for early starts before it gets hot. Also it goes dark at 5pm in Nicaragua.Download the words to 'Escape- if you like pina colladas' to play on the bus!Be prepared for 2 3hour bus transfers- Panama is a long country and you wouldn't get to Panama City on time otherwise. Have a good selection of sing along music on your mp3s to ease the journey.

Reviewed January 2013

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

A very enjoyable week; a welcome mix of walking and relaxation, glorious weather, delicious food, good company and three idyllic islands each with their own distinct character.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose since each island was so different and beautiful in its own way. Prettiest villages - Paros; Most enjoyable and varied walk - Naxos. Sharpest intake of breath and "WOW" moment - the first view of Santorini's incredible caldera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was brilliant. I'd agree with other reviewers who've commented on how hardworking and helpful he is. Obviously incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, but he also goes out of his way to assure the health and wellbeing of his clients (and will also rescue the occasional goat that has got its leg stuck in a wall!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a wheeled bag/suitcase; there is an approx. 10 minute walk from the hotel to the metro in Athens, then you also have to move your luggage on and off the ferries. I didn't take one, and soon regretted it.If you go in the hot summer months, take a good hat, especially for Santorini where there is very little shade on the walk. The walks are relatively easy but a head for heights will come in handy on Santorini. There was one part of the walk that I struggled with because it was loose, slippery pumice with a sheer drop just a few feet away (but there is an "easier" route that you can choose to take if you are afraid of heights). Be prepared for small changes in itinerary and lots of time on ferries. Relax and go with the flow!

Reviewed January 2013

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

A brilliant experience, made all the better with excellent travel companions and Kevin, a superb leader.My eyes could not believe it sometimes. It has said before, but it is so awesome to see that snaking Wall, before you and after you.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunset at Gubeikou, we only had a short time, I did take a photo on the way up, beautiful, just as well, the sun beat us to it. a 2nd chance the next day, but cloudy.I also added the Ix'an extension, absolutely worth it. The sight of those tombs!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin. An absolute diamond of a man. Nothing was too much trouble. he was always there with ideas and help.On my free day after Beijing, I wanted to visit the Summer Palace. He arranged a taxi to collect me, make sure I knew directions for the subway home, maps etc. Catostrophe, the driver was involved in an accident, so, although on his day off, Kevin, phoned the hotel, got reception to message me, got me sorted with another driver etc. I had a wonderful day there, getting back in time to join my 4 fellow travellers for the Ix'an extension.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the flow. The notes are absolutely correct. some accomadation is very basic, the first night on the Wall, especially, but the food was excellent. Take your wipes and sanitizer for sure. Quite cold too at night. Be prepared for their version of a wet room! just wet everywhere. Your loo too.That is, if it is not a squat one. start learning.

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

Great way of seeing some of Cuba if you are short on time – will make you want to visit again! Also great as a single traveller. From inspiring Havana to beautiful Trinidad, dancing, some great cooking, a bit of Che, beaches, beautiful scenery, thousands of photos and some rum – what’s not to like?!

Most Inspirational Moment

Trinidad was amazing - then we had a very heavy storm - I have not laughed so much in ages, running through the cobbled streets completely wet through to the safety of the bus. We also went to a nightclub in a cave, and were made to feel very welcome if a little inadequate on the dance floor!I loved Havana, just being able to explore and wonder around. Definitely check out the market and drive a hard bargain on art work before retiring for another cocktail with your purchases.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Toni was great, knowledgable without it feeling like he had a set amount of information he was supposed to tell you. Andreas, our driver, was also fantastic - a very skilful driver of a very clean bus. Both Toni and Andreas included all in the group and made sure all needs were catered for, we had a very mixed age group and a disabled traveller, they made all feel included and really made a positive impact on the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a big memory stick for photos and a spare battery for the camera. And a torch - if you are walking back at night its a good idea (although if you aren't keen on bugs and spiders perhaps better without one!)

Reviewed January 2013

ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

The Ancient and Modern Japan trip exceeded our expectations. The balance between urban and more rural life was excellent as was the travel on local transit and the free time to explore on our own. Both guides (Catherine and Alexi) were outstanding.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hearing the monks chanting in Kyoto; hearing the Taiko drums outside Matsumoto Castle; seeing the snow monkeys; sleeping in Ryokans. We know - that's more than one great moment!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Catherine and Alexi were tremendous. Catherine provided the experience and was friendly yet professional and we felt very confident in her ability to lead the group. Alexi was lovely and a great complement to Catherine. Although a novice, his ability to speak Japanese was a great help and he was so helpful and accommodating. Together they made a great team. They were present at the beginning and end of each day that we had on our own in case we needed them but we always felt we had choices. They were both fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only to do their homework about currency, bank machines, access to WiFi and the amount of walking expected. Most of us were fine but one couple seemed to choose the wrong trip so doing your homework and reading all of the material from Exodus thoroughly is really imporrtant.

Reviewed January 2013

CYCLING CUBA

An amazing country, but not sure cycling is the best way to see it

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the poverty vs the aging spleandour of some of the buildings in Havanna. The atmosphere in Trinidad.the sheer number of crabs when cycling through the woods Seeing how the locals spend Friday nights, partying out on the streets, and how much a safe feeling family affair it is.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great, very helpful and enthusiastic. Knowledgable about his country, and told us interesting facts when they were relevant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont be afraid to duck out of the group meals. There are a lot of hotel buffets on the trip, whilst some places, particularly Havanna and Trinidad have some great little restaurants if you do a bit of research

Reviewed January 2013

Snow, Sauna, Cider and Cold Toes! What a Holiday!

I keep telling everyone that I really enjoyed my Finnish Wilderness Weekend, that’s exactly how long it felt like! It was a really great holiday and it just went so fast. It was amazing to be the first ones there at the start of the season so that all the snow is pristine and untouched. The setting is amazing and you just couldn’t ask for more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspirational moments that is a tricky one...Definitely seeing the sun rise (and set just an hour later) that little ball of red on the horizon just adds so much beauty to an already stunning place.Snow-shoeing round the bear trail was an experience but the views of complete wilderness and tranquility you get are something special. Also f your if really lucky and quiet you might just get yourself run over by a reindeer or two.If I name much more I think I will have just mentioned the entire holiday, everything has its special moments from dog-sledding to being the only one on the slope in Ruka.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eki and his colleagues are great they are helpful, informative and a barrel of laughs. If you get a chance ask them about some Finnish card games, playing 'Pass the Salt' was a well spent evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mate, it's freezing out there!! Think about the layers you need and then wear some more. I did manage my planning very well and realise halfway to the airport (whilst on a train) that I didn't have a coat. This wasn't a problem once I got to Oulanka basecamp but I definitely felt it standing at the airport waiting to board the plane!! I think my recommendations for all of the rest of you considering this, aside from to stop umm-ing and aahh-ing and look into your crsytal ball and see that you really must go, is to have a go at the Little Bear Trail or if thats a bit too far for the time you have avaliable head out to Castle rocks! Its just a whole other world out there.

Prev 1 … 1,192 1,193 1,194 1,195 1,196 … 1,433 Next