Reviews

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

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14217 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed October 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Not a holiday. A fantastic experience. A lot harder than I thought.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit first at 5:20am. The camaraderie you can achieve with what is effectively a stranger when you achieve your goal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Florence was very good, as were all the other guides, porters and cooks of which there are around 40. He kept his eye on us and tried to tailor the speed at which we walked to each individual. He spoke to each person individually every morning and every evening to make sure everything was ok.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have enough dollars for the tip which adds a fair bit to the holiday. Wear sufficient layers but don’t over do it, you will warm up when you walk.I understand pole, pole but walk at the pace you are comfortable with. Listen to your body and what it’s telling you. Your hands get filthy.I personally didn’t wear or need to wear gaiters, but walking poles helped significantly, especially on the final push for the top. Some took Diamox some did not. Again, know your own body and listen to it; if you have a headache take something, if you don’t then don’t take something.On the day you climb to the top you will have breakfast at 23:30. You probably won’t feel like eating porridge. You will need a lot of energy so force yourself to eat.

Reviewed October 2011

THE AMALFI COAST

Our first trip with Exodus, or any organised walking holiday, so we were not sure how we would get on but we had a great time. Our Group Leader (Christine) was excellent, the members of the group were all good fun to be with, and the walks were all terrific. I think the Leisurely/Moderate rating for the walks is correct – although there are plenty of ups and downs none of the walks are particulaly long.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the visit to the Colloseum at Pompeii, but every day had its highlighlights - Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Positano and Ravello were all well worth seeing along with the superb views of the Amalfi coast on each of the walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was brilliant - knowledgeable and enthusiastic, much-loved by the hotel staff and other locals we bumped into on the walks - she added a lot to the whole experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It will probably be colder than you are expecting at the hotel in Bomerano so pack something warm. If you suffer from any knee problems be aware that there are many steps to walk down. The food and staff at the hotel are great and they cater for vegetarians - unlike British Airways! There are no kettles in the rooms. The water is safe and fine to drink. The local public buses are used on several days - don't turn up late, they are very busy. We took the optional trip on offer on our day off to Herculaneum and Ravello (35 Euros each and 10 Euros each for the guide, who is excellent) - well worth doing but be aware you spend quite a long time travelling on the minibus. Enjoy!

Reviewed October 2011

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Wonderful days walking through forests and hills with inspirational views of the Tuscan countryside followed by Mamma’s home-cooked food in the evenings – great combination.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the Tusan countryside were amazing on all of the walks but the 360 degree views from Monte Sumbra were particularly breath-taking. Also the autumnal colours walking through the beech forests were beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was brilliant. She made time for everybody and ensured we all had a great time. She provided encouragement for us on the walks and made sure that everyone in the group was able make the ascents. Sara also has a passion for the area and this shone through and was really inspirational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a think about what you would like to do on the free day before you arrive. Several of us went to Lucca and had a great day walking on the old walls, visiting the cathedrals and generally relaxing in the town.

Reviewed October 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOTSWANA

From the moment we arrived in Maun, every day brought another highlight – it will be hard to find another holiday which tops this one. Just outstanding from start to finish

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I start?Here are just a few of the many moments - In the delta, sitting round the campfire enjoying the polers singing and dancing whilst a meteorite with a spectacular tail flew overhead. -Flying over the Delta. - Walking with lions in Livingstone, the helicopter flight over Victoria Falls and going into Zimbabwe to view them. - The vastness and isolation of the Salt Pans. - Watching leopards at close range in the Moremi Reserve. The sunset cruise (thank goodness for digital cameras...) Watching and listening to the nearby hippos splashing in the moonlight. The friendship of my fellow travellers (none of whom I knew beforehand) contributed greatly to the holiday, we all wanted to do the same activities, had the same interests and shared many laughs

Thoughts on Group Leader

From the moment we met Sam at the airport, he was absolutely brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble, he was well organised and unflappable and somehow produced really tasty food all cooked on the campfire. He made sure that we could all do our chosen activities including taking us across the border to Zimbabwe when he should have had a relaxing afternoon. Jamie our driver and guide was also excellent - we had some long distances to cover but he stopped when we saw game on the way, and in the reserves, he could spot animals without having to reach for binoculars like the rest of us! Bruce and James were a competent support team

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some swimming things to the Delta, we had an opportunity to go for a dip and there was some very hastily improvised swim wear on show. Baby wipes are always useful because it is very dusty (dust coloured clothing helps too. It is possible to do several activities in one day at Livingstone so enjoy!! Binoculars come in handy. There is an inverter in the truck so lot of battery charging was done on route (take a South African adapter). No need to take masses of clothes as there is plenty of opportunity to wash clothes at the camp sites in Maun, Livingstone, Kisane and Savuti. Sturdy sandals and walking shoes are all you need for footwear. You will take a lot more photos than you might think so take high capacity memory cards for the cameras. Most importantly - just relax, let it all happen and enjoy every moment!

Reviewed October 2011

LAKES & MOUNTAINS OF SLOVENIA

I had a complete blast on this trip, everything about it was fantastic! oh except Slovenia has the largest wasp population in the world! I had been expecting a wet soggy week but the weather was fanstastic, the group was one of the best I’ve travelled with, the pension was lovely, the guides top notch. I have travelled to over 65 countries and never go anywhere twice – I would go to Slovenia again in a heart beat and that for me says it all.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many - the scenery, the food, the wine, the beer, the group, the guides. Everyday I looked forward to getting up and came back laughing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two guides - both spoke perfect English, had a huge knowledge of the area and made me feel totally safe. They fitted right in and became friends to all of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it! I loved this trip and I've been on loads of this type of thing. I can imagine it's a bit miserable if the weather isn't good but then it is mountain terrain and it goes with the territory.This is a really easy trip to do alone. I was supposed to go with a friend but she was taken ill and couldn't come. Slovenia is such an easy place to be in and well worth what little effort it takes to be there.

Reviewed October 2011

ANDES TO AMAZON

Ecuador proved to be a very interesting country and was well worth a visit. There is a lot of travelling involved in this holiday, but how else can you get to see so much?

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the rain forest was the most exciting part of the trip for my wife and I, although she did go to bed fully clothed and with a hat on in the sweltering heat due to all the insects (they were mostly outside the hut and not inside but that did not make any difference). The boat ride through the mangrove swamps was excellent as we saw more birds on that day than all the previous days put together, it was amazing. It was also very interesting and moving seeing all the old people in their traditional clothes and in the bustling markets. Every day brought a new experience, including the visit to the nature reserve at over 14,000 feet in the Andes and the four hour road decent down from the summit (yes 4 hours, I've never seen such a long hill) was someting I'll never forget. Interestingly a water bottle I drank empty and sealed up at the top was squashed flat by the increased air pressure by the time we arrived at the bottom!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader (Fabian) was excellent, very laid back and unflappable, knowledgable and helpful. A good leader. Mention must also be made of the driver (Roberto) who drove us for the full two weeks, he was excellent and we all felt very safe and comfortable in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took lots of shorts to wear and hardly wore them at all, it was either too cold (in the high Andes) or the sun was too scorching. Long, cool pants are the best. A wide brimmed hat is a must. As the walks were only billed as short we made the mistake of not taking the right footwear, make sure you take good strong walking trainers or lightweight walking boots.

Reviewed October 2011

CYCLE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

I’m not one to write about a recent holiday but this was an exceptional holiday with a group of people who loved the whole experiece as much as I did. We were lucky enough to enjoy a mini heatwave in October without needing to get the wet weather gear out of our suitcases.It was my first Exodus holiday and it wont be last. Some of the group had travelled on other trips and I was able to hear first hand about the trips ( much better than reading about them in the brochure).Northern Spain, what a beautiful region to cycle thru with 2 experienced guides Nachos and Jamie. We were even abe to help Nachos with some of his English sentences …..

Most Inspirational Moment

Sharing the Camino with people who had been walking for up to 4 weeks and cycling on a route where thousands of pilgrims had walked before was a very thought provoking experience.Not having to worry about the speed of the front runners ( there were some very keen experienced cyclists up front) wasn't a problem ...you simply cycled with those who were the same pace as you! Grinding out the long steep slopes after lunch one afternoon in 30 degrees of heat with 2 similar paced cyclists and sharing the job of being the leader along the climb was a great 'mini' team effort ( thanks Richard and Rose).

Thoughts on Group Leader

A couple of decent Spaniards, well informed and who new the way to Santiago ...thanks guys!Thank heavens for the yellow arrows that marked the route the whole distance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to be fit before the trip to enjoy the whole week long experience. I think because of the heat I would have graded the trip 'challenging' rather than 'moderate / challenging'.

Reviewed October 2011

CYCLING IN SARDINIA

A great trip, with a great bunch of people, and a great guide and support driver.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lovely beachesGood cyclingInteresting cultureGreat weatherUnspoilt scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great - he never forgot that it was our holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I've heard that the island is too hot and too crowded in August. Our trip in early October was perfect.

Reviewed October 2011

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

One of the best trips I’ve been on.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to list but special mention though for the beautiful woodland we passed through at the end of the long, long, long descent down from Lac Blanc (who needs ski lifts anyway?) and final 'off piste' climb up the Les Houches peak and seeing the best view in the Alps come up over the horizon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is a real gem of a group leader - awful jokes and the Spencer Tracy fan club aside, he's an excellent guide who did a great job of gauging the different levels of the group and getting us all safely up and down the cols with smiles all round. Voila. Elaine did a great job too with the hearty evening meals, sandwiches, and brilliant home made cakes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is rated a Moderate which I think is about right, albeit at the upper scale. However while you don't need any trekking experience you do need to be reasonably fit as some of the 'up' sections are long and hard (900m plus, and often immediately followed by an equally long 'down' section). I'm in decent shape and go to the gym a few times a week and I found the walks challenging but still enjoyable, so a bit of preparation pays off. Also, take a wide brimmed sun hat not just a peaked baseball cap, as the sun is strong, even at the end of September, and I have the sunburnt, blistered ears to prove it.

Reviewed October 2011

TREASURES OF SICILY

A fantastic dip into the culture, history and landscape of Sicily. I learned so much in just a week.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on Etna.The mosaics at Monreale.Enjoying the everyday life in the towns and villages.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Sicilian way of life, history, geology and natural history. Mario worked very hard to show us as much as he could.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good walking boots or shoes.It was cold and wet at times - pack with this in mind if you go in October.Take a good guide book and carry it with you at all times as locally available books are heavy and not always easy to find.

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