Most Inspirational Moment
Piz Boe summit, superb.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paul, expert guide and top laugh.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go for it
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.
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Reviews
Highlights of Dolomites
Hi,
Awesome trip, thanks to Paul and Jenny (expert guides) Hotel staff wonderful people.
Cheers
Gary
Incredible local guide and fantastic, action-packed itinerary!
I’ve just come back from the Essential Peru trip and it was incredible. Our expert local guide, Holger, was fantastic. From the beginning, his outstanding knowledge of Peruvian culture, folklore and cuisine shaped and enhanced our experience as we travelled through the country.
Most Inspirational Moment
It’s hard to pick just one moment, as the whole trip was fantastic from start to finish. Viewing the Nazca lines, spotting Andean condors in Colca Canyon and visiting the floating Reed islands on Lake Titicaca were definitely some of the main highlights! However, personally, it was when I caught the first glimpse of Machu Picchu coming into view. You always see it in photographs, but it was so much more impressive seeing this massive world wonder in person. Surrounded by lush green towering peaks, it really is an incredible sight to see!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nothing was too much trouble for Holger! He helped us order the best local dishes, grabbed us exotic fruits to try on long bus journeys and always ensured everyone’s food allergies were catered for. He always went out of his way to help the group. Holger was also really accommodating to those who struggled with adjusting to the altitudes on longer walks. His excellent knowledge of Pre-Inca and Inca culture knew no bounds and really added to the whole experience. He’s also a great photographer and was able to capture and share photos of Giant hummingbirds and Andean Condors with the group! You could tell this is more than a job to him. He loves his country and is really passionate about being a tour leader, taking travellers beyond the guidebook to ensure we saw a different side of Peru. Thanks Holger for being such a wonderful guide!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you get bitten abroad, definitely bring mosquito repellent and soother with you! In the winter months, I’d consider bringing thermal socks and thermal jackets. Layers are a must, as it can range from -2 to 23 degrees on a single day in winter.
Fantastic trip
One of the best trips I’ve done…
This trip offered a mix of everything- beautiful scenery, lovely undulating walks through and around glorious countryside, vineyards, llevadas and small villages, wine tastings at some excellent local vineyards, excellent accommodation and good food.
Lina, our guide for the trip, was one of the very best. Thoroughly knowledgable and prepared for each day ( and ensuring we were too!) and always thinking about what little things or adjustments might make our days better, as well as being an absolutely lovely person. A guide can really make or break a trip – and Lina is definitely is the first category!
This trip was so good that despite the unusual June weather (so much rain for late June was not typical!) our group still had a really fantastic time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely outstanding - see above comments in the summary,
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring a swimming cap if you want to use the hotel pools! - It’s mandatory in Portugal and you won’t be allowed in without one. Flip flops also a good idea.
Immerse yourself in Portugal
Portugal Walking and Wine is an excellent trip. Our guide, Lina, was exemplary with her knowledge, passion for her country and friendship & warmth towards all of us.
To experience the beautiful countryside, walking through remote villages and being received so warmly by the locals as we pass through and the superb food and wine makes the trip simply wonderful!
Most Inspirational Moment
The passion of its people. From the farmer we met as we passed through a remote village, wheeling his bounty of potatoes and directing us through his back gate to have easier access to be able to pick oranges from his trees ... to the winery's we visited ... such pride in their produce and ALL of it so delicious!
Thoughts on Group Leader
I cannot commend Lina highly enough - she was simply a delight to spend the week with. ALWAYS making sure everyone knew what the day's walks entailed, a fountain of knowledge on the landscape we passed through ... sharing the details with such passion. Warmly greeted us every morning, she made sure that everyone was feeling good, happy and ready to go. The little star touches of demonstrating cracking open almonds with a stone, when picked directly from the tree, to sharing her knowledge of the natural world as we passed through. Lina provided the best introduction of Portugal I could have ever wishes for, and I certainly hope to join another of her trips ... there's just SO much more of Portugal to explore and I couldn't think of anyone better I'd like to have leading it!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for ANY weather. We were there in mid-June and the temperatures were exceptionally low (c. 16-18C) and threatening drizzle on several of the days. Walking shoes/boots a must. Full length trousers too for the woodland walks.
A Great Adventure
This was a great trip travelling through 5 US states including spectacular scenery, a variety of walking trails and the opportunity to see wildlife. Despite Yellowstone being completely closed for the first time in 34 years when we visited we still had a great time in a very beautiful part of the world.
Most Inspirational Moment
A few things. Firstly, seeing moose on the path in front of us and grizzly bears very close to our van. Being caught at the top of a mountain in an unexpected snow storm provided a very good bonding opportunity for the group on the first proper day of our trip. Despite the disappointment of missing Yellowstone, Mike, our group leader, somehow kept us all happy and still produced a very enjoyable holiday for us all.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mike was an absolute star, he could not have done more to make this a great holiday for us all. Despite losing 4 days of the itinerary for Yellowstone he somehow found excellent trails, places to visit and lovely restaurants to fill that time. The group also all got on very well together and we had lots of fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take the full range of clothing from thermals, gloves, hat etc through to sun wear even in June. You will use it all! Give yourself a full day in Salt Lake City before the trip as it’s worth a visit. In addition we booked 2 extra nights in Seattle and that was definitely worthwhile. There was lots to see, it was easy to get around and it’s a fun place to visit.
The Silk Road
Great trip. All countries very different. Certainly non stop.
Most Inspirational Moment
Stunning architechture + eagle hunter + Uygur meal
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both were excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for very hot weather, and a tiring trip.
Bosnia & Beyond
An amazing trip dipping into the complex history, cultural background and natural wonders of the region.
Most Inspirational Moment
My absolute highlight was the day we travelled up, through magnificent scenery, to the village of Lukomir. The views were out of this world and we were made very welcome in the village and treated to a delicious lunch. It was a privilege to be in such a beautiful, sparsely populated place. A truly wonderful memory.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Evelin Balta, couldn’t have been better. He was kind, courteous to everyone and, above all, passionate about the area and keen to share his knowledge with us. He always made us feel that what he did was not a job - that he was enjoying the trip as much as we were! His enthusiasm was infectious and no one could fail to be fascinated by the history and culture of the region or to fall un love with the beautiful countryside.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip has everything - amazing towns and cities, fascinating history and stunning scenery. Walks are optional but not over-taxing. The many trips in the minibus are kept to manageable lengths with frequent stops but be prepared for a lot of travelling - worth it to see some amazing sights.
Good
A fascinating introduction to the varied landscape of Iceland’s interior with a good range of trekking experiences.
Walking through snow clad mountains, black volcanic sand, ice clad glaciers and magnificent waterfalls.
Most Inspirational Moment
The honour of walking through imposing rock formations, steam vents and glacier valleys. The creative force of nature unfolding beneath our feet.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent! Petur was confident, engaging and witty. A strong character, who dealt with the complex organisation issues well. Although initially setting a strong walking pace, he adjusted to accommodate those at the back with more breaks. A second guide could have kept an eye on the back of the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Use a good eye mask to shut out the light at night, to enable better sleep. 2. Ensure you have a decent, fully charged power pack, as charging phones etc is not possible in the hills. 3. Bring plenty of Krona for the time in Reykjavik.! Buying meals/drinks is expensive.
Fantastic variety of parks with great company
First time using Exodus which we found to be a great experience from start to finish, with the online presentations during covid giving us confidence in the company and were also extremely inspirational.
Our meetup for the briefing at the start of the trip gave us the opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers and cement the bonding of the group.
Most Inspirational Moment
Whilst hiking up Lembert Dome in Yosemite we were on the verge of deciding it was too much for us when our guide, who had had to escort other members of the party back to a easier route, suddenly appeared to advise us on the correct line of assent and also the technique to enable us to get to the top. This was not the only time that Jay appeared out of nowhere as he was also assisting the various levels in our group to achieve the maximum of their capabilities. Each park is fantastic in different ways, whether it be the enormity of Yosemite, the fun of the narrows in Zion, the hoodoo's of Bryce, the throwback to the westerns in Monument Valley, the grandeur of Grand Canyon and not forgetting the ridiculous heat of death valley.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jay was an excellent group leader with his primary priority being the safety of the group. Jay also astounded us with his depth of knowledge on so many different aspects, whether it be geology, astrology or general useful information. Not forgetting his two other main interests (loves?) of music and beer (not necessarily in that order). Many different versions and styles of Route 66 as a example! He was such great fun and so easy to get along with. The fact that he must have driven about two thousand miles whilst keeping us entertained is a testament to his love of the job and stamina. He was also required to accommodate the different expectations and abilities of the group, which he proved he was up to.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although classified as cultural in the brochure, travelers do require a certain amount of fitness over uneven terrain to ensure they can make the most of the fantastic scenery and enormity of the parks. Also be aware that wifi is sketchy and insecure in places i.e. not password protected, so be careful if required to make financial transactions.
Kili Rongai & Zanzibar
The trip was much tougher than any of our Group had expected. It was colder than the seasonal norm but the trip to base camp was really attritional; by the time we got there we (and it was a fit Group) were exhausted. The journey did not only impact on the guests: of the 4 guides, 2 retired sick and neither of the summit porters reached the summit (one through sickness; one through helping a guest back down the mountain). My reflection was that the accumulative challenge was not reflected in the meeting notes.
The hotel in Zanzibar (Zumba Beach) was in an idyllic location and the GM was a strong leader and led her staff well. Again the trip notes should perhaps have been clearer that expectations needed to be calibrated a little lower than in the developed world. Our room was burgled while we were sleeping and items stolen from within 1 foot of our heads. The thieves cut their way in and so were carrying knives; a sobering experience. I don’t think crime there is uncommon and maybe prospective guests should be alerted to it?
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the peak on the Summit but feeling of relief more than inspiration!
Thoughts on Group Leader
It was her first trip leading and her Summit staff were virtually eradicated before reaching the top. The weather was poor and I fear she was traumatised.....but very full marks for getting most of us to the top and all down safely.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The climb was really difficult. It was less the final climb from base camp but the deconditioning that occurred before....and the weather is unpredictable. There is crime in Zanzibar and important to be forewarned.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, James, although we were sorry to read that you were disappointed with some aspects of your tour. As I am sure you appreciate, activity levels are inherently subjective, but we do endeavour to describe each trip as accurately as possible, and we are always open to suggestions to amend our guidance should we be made aware of clients feeling a particular trip’s activity level should be changed. This is one of our longest running trips and we therefore receive a large volume of feedback regarding our clients’ views on the tour. Whilst this trip generally scores highly for trip note accuracy, we are aware that your group experienced unusually cold temperatures, which may have increased the difficulty of some of the treks and caused more cases of sickness than expected. Whilst our product manager, John Penge, and tour leaders remain of the view that the current grading for our Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route trip is accurate, I would like to assure you that they will take your comments into account when discussing potential changes to the activity level of this tour. Addressing your second point, we take the health and safety of our clients extremely seriously and we were, therefore, very concerned to receive your comments about a theft at Fumba Beach Lodge. This property has been operating for twenty years and, whilst we are aware of petty crimes in the past, incidents of this nature are not common in this area, mainly due to the heavy police presence on the beach. Nevertheless, we would not wish to downplay your experience, which sounds particularly worrying, and we would like to assure you that the security presence at the lodge has been increased and the mosquito netting has been reinforced to hopefully prevent any repeat of this situation. We recognise that this cannot change your experience, for which we are incredibly regretful, but we do hope it demonstrates that we have acted on it.