Reviews

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

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14318 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed October 2012

ATLAS DESCENT

Loved it. Six pretty full on days’ cycling over varying terrrain with enough challenges to test the most experienced riders and occasional alternatives for those who wanted to take it slightly more easily. Stunning scenery: generally arid and mostly scrubby vegetation with scattered pockets of lush green palmeries, but the mountains have an austere beauty of their own.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots, including:- some flying descents on max adrenaline;- reaching the top of the longest climb in a respectable state;- doing something I really enjoy with a thoroughly nice group of likeminded people; - playing drums with a group of Morrocans;- a cool beer on the hotel terrace in Immouzzer watching the sun set over endless folds of mountains; - the final descent to the sea and a refreshing dip in it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 leaders on this trip: Liz and Richie. Both excellent. They worked very hard (and successfully) to keep the bikes running smoothly during the week - no easy task as the bikes take a fearful battering. They dispensed a number of tips on technique, gave us a good idea of what to expect each day, pointed out cultural and topographical features of interest and were concerned for safety without wrapping us in cotton wool. I would be happy to go on another trip with either of them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As a number of previous reviewers have pointed out, you have to go up before hurtling down: try and do some hill climb training before you go (on and off tarmac). Also if you're not a regular off road rider, try and ride some rocky trails (e.g. Coed y Brenin in Wales) before you go as this will probably help to get the most out of trip right from the start. (Having said which, those in our group with little or no mountain bike experience did brilliantly.) I am a veggie and, while this was no gourmet extravganza, I survived perfectly adequately.

Reviewed October 2012

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

A very good trip giving a taste of the huge variety of landscapes in Peru. The itinerary was quite hard work but well worth the effort

Most Inspirational Moment

With out a doubt coming through the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu spread out below you. Treking along the Inca Trail through the vast mountains and spectacular scenery. One is sometimes afraid that when you eventually see such a "wonder of this world" that it will not live up to expectations - there's no danger of that !

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group Leader certainly added to our Peru experience. She was knowledgable and well organised. It would be fair to say she was better on a one to one basis than when addressing the group as a whole.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although there is no in country payment for this holiday, travellers should be aware that there are considerable costs - in particular tips for local guides and porters. Also the Optional Excursions / Guided Tours are not cheap. The Trip notes do mention them so take note !Remember the Inca Trail and Lake Titicaca are at altitude and you will have come from considerably lower down at the Rainforest Reserve. Drink plenty of fluids and slow down!

Anonymous .

Reviewed October 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

A fantastic trip even better than expected in most respects. This was down to the itinerary, Moses and the crew, and our travelling companions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending an hour with the mountain gorillas - incredible! Seeing them so close and watching their behaviour we could see how much like humans they are. But the following come a close second:How the people of Rwanda are putting the genocide behind them and rebuilding their relationships with each other in order to move forward to a better future.Seeing the great wildebeest migration from a balloon over the Masai Mara.Sightings of leopard, lions, cheetahs and a huge range of other wildlife in magnificent scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moses was a very good leader. He was well-informed and informative, friendly and helpful, and his sense of humour helped create the sort of atmospehere that made the trip so good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The advice on tipping on the Exodus trip notes was unclear and, once briefed by Moses in Nairobi, turned out to be misleading. As a result we took far too much cash.The optional excursions as set out in the trip notes and final joining instructions were also misleading. We were looking forward to being able to cycle through Hells Gate National Park, do the Crater Lake walk, and see the golden monkeys at Ruhengeri. But none of these were feasible in terms of time within the very tight schedule of the overall trip. The reference to such optional excursions created an impression of more free time available and of 'other exciting things to do' than was the reality. We came armed with loads of US$ ready to pay for these optional excursions so in the end this contributed to us carrying far too much money with us.We understand that Exodus will be amending the details of the trip and relevant trip notes. But we would advise potential travellers to check to ensure the information provided by Exodus reflects their own expectations.

Reviewed October 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A true experience. My wife thought the best holiday she has had.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the high place of sacrifice at Petra.Wierdest Floating in the Dead Sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good and both proud and knowledgable about his country

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to go with an open mind and enjoy the trip

Reviewed October 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP

A truly amazing trip that was enjoyable and memorable from the first day to the last. Organised brilliantly to take in the fantastic landscape of Nepal and the Himalaya together with the many and diverse cultural and religous aspects of the region. Recommended for anyone with a spirit of discovery and adevnture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Kalar Pattar and seeing Everest and the Khumbu glacier in brilliant clear skies was fantastic. The view was awe inspiring and the tremendous effort to get to that moment made it all the more special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lakpa was brilliant and I have tremendous respect for him. He lead a wonderful team and Exodus should be proud of them. Lakpa made everyone feel safe and comfortable in the group and was a great authority on all geographical, religous and cultural questions that we bombarded him with - a real mountain Guru ! Lakpa made a great trip into a fantastic experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be flexible in your approach to this trip , the weather can cause some disruption with internal flights etc so be patient and just go with it.

Reviewed October 2012

INCA TRAIL & THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Had a wonderful holiday with my daughter and her friend.Enjoyed the trek to Maccu Picchu.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the Sun Gate at the end of the Inca Trek and looking down to Maccu Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Cardenas was excellent. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of all aspects of the history and wildlife of Peru and this ensured we had a wonderful time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't buy bottles of drink at Lima Duty Free. Our bottles were confiscated when we were in transit at Madrid airport. Camping on the trek can be very cold.

Reviewed October 2012

THE HIGH INCA TRAIL

I spent much of my two weeks in Peru slapping myself to make sure I was awake and that it wasn’t all just a dream. High in the Andes I loved the absolutely breathtaking scenery, the incredible ruins of the ancient Inca settlements, the sincere warmth and friendliness of the Peruvian people, the diversity of the food, the beautiful old Spanish colonial buildings in Cusco, the kick of the Pisco in the loveliest little bars in the world, the depth of the history and religion, the vibrant music, the colours of the people in traditional dress and the absolutely breathtaking scenery again because it deserves an extra mention. This was a fantastic trip that I just couldn’t fault at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Possibly one of the most inspirational moments of my life, let alone the trip, was reaching the top of the Chiriasqa Pass at 4,950 metres above sea level. In the thin air it was hard work getting there but I felt that every gasp for breath and every aching muscle had been worthwhile as I stood there and looked behind me at the ice capped Mount Salacantay and its icy blue glacial lakes and ahead of me at the vast wilderness of Sisay Pampa as snow flurries contrasted against bright blue sky and dark clouds. With no sign of human life in sight this was probably the most remote and isolated place I had ever been. I had always wanted to walk the Inca Trail but the Salcantay extension made the experience all the more remarkable. Seeing hardly a soul for days, star gazing at the clearest night skies imaginable, having a bath in the icy waters of the Rio Cusichaca and emerging from my tent each morning to look up at snow covered peaks and down at cloud filled valleys are moments I will remember and treasure for the rest of my days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bobby was an absolute star. He’d already done the Inca Trail something like four hundred times before and consequently knew every mountain, every mountain path, every block of stone at the Inca sites, every exotic species of plant, every llama that we met along the way, every native bird and insect, every star in the sky, every statistic about South American football and the best way to cook a guinea pig. He always had a smile on his face, he had an infectious laugh, he punctuated his speeches with jokes and he liked a beer. My favourite moments with him though were when we were all seated round the table after dinner on the nights of the trek. High in the cold, cold Andes and miles from civilisation he would tell us his tales of days gone by, his personal experiences and the history and superstitions of his country. His round Peruvian face looking stern in his concentration, illuminated only by a camping gas lamp, was an absolute picture. And then he would laugh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you immerse yourself in the culture of the Andes, eat everything you’re given, breath in that beautiful fresh mountain air, stare at the stars, talk to the people and take in everything that you see you will have a wonderful trip and you will hardly notice the gruelling physical exertion.

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

Wonderful hoilday, great group and the right balance between sightseeing, walking and time for ourselves. Note, however, that you do not see Athens on this trip – you need to add this on yourself at the beginning or end of the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved Naxos and plan to go back. The old town was wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile was lovely and reminded you always that nothing was compulsory except getting to the boat on time! So you didn't feel that you had to join in the group excursions that she arranged, although I did and really enjoyed them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect much from the Santorini sunset trip - masses of people, - but you can get as good (if not better) a sunset in Naxos or Paros, or from a different vantage point in Santorini. Also, Santorini is geared up for the cruise ships, so the prices are much more expensive than in Naxos or Paro.

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING IN GREECE

Great cycling with wonderful views – a few hills on the first couple of days but nothing which I found to be too bad or different from any other Moderate cycle trip which I have been on with Exodus.Excellent food – all good but the meal at the hotel near Myceanea was a particulr highlight as was the dinner on the last night in the shadow of the Acropolis. A walk round Athens at night before & after dinner was also great.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first trip to Greece so it was great to fit in seeing a number of the ancient sites. With time on the final day before returning to Athens, I visited the sites at Acrocorinth and Ancient Corinth, which I would recommend. All the cycling was great with a mix of views - both mountain and costal. The afternoon cycle from Epidaurus to Tolos I particularly enjoyed.I really enjoyed seeing Athens, both the Monday morning cycle from the hotel to Pireus (Athens rush hour traffic was an experience !!) and the tour of the Acropolis. I wish I had stayed an extra day or two at the end of the tour as there is so much more I would like to see in the city. The food was particularly good - I would recommend this as a highlight of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christiana and Christos are both great ambassadors for Greece !Nothing was too much bother and with great organisational skills and a professional approach I thought they made a great team. I really enjoyed chatting to both of them. It is when you get the chance to have a good old chat with the local guides that it really adds to your insight of the country. This is an important part of the holiday to me so it was great to have such friendly guides to chat to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only problem was that I found the seat on the bike really quite uncomfortable. Even with a gel cover and padded shorts I still found I was getting saddle sore. I have not had this problem before on the 4 previous cycle trips I have been on with Exodus. No one else had a problem so perhaps I was unlucky. But remember your padded shorts and/or gel saddle !If you can, add a day or two either side of the trip to see more of Athens - loads to see !

Reviewed October 2012

WALKING THE AMALFI COAST

Another brilliant Exodus holiday, my 5th in 5 years. The scenery & walks are amazing with breathtaking views at every turn.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many however exploring Pompeii, with a very knowledgeable guide, & then climbing Vesuvious and walking round the crater on my birthday takes some beating!The walk of the gods was spectacular with breathtaking scenery all the way.Also, the jet-boat trip to the island of Capri on the free day was pretty special-well worth doing.We were also invited into the hotel kitchen on two nights during the holiday and given great cooking demonstrations by Giovanni & his fellow chefs-great fun, especially my amateur pizza making attempt!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was absolutely brilliant-friendly, sociable, knowledgeable & highly organised.Her contribution really added to the overall enjoyment of the trip.She even knew all the best bars to visit after the walks!!Thanks Christine.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As various other travellers have said - be prepared to both climb & descend a lot of steps!Your legs & joints quickly adapt to this though.The temperatures in September when we were there were pretty comfortable - mid to high 20's.

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