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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14364 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Roxanne Crawley

Reviewed October 2019

Highly recommended!

This trip surpassed all my expectations, has given me confidence and rekindled the travel bug! Having not been abroad for 9 years I was feeling somewhat nervous about going to Jordan, but it was a wonderful experience, I loved both Jordan and the incredibly welcoming Jordanians. Our guide, Ibrahim was excellent in all respects and had a super sense of humour too, what more could you ask for?!

Most Inspirational Moment

This whole trip was full of awesome moments, all unforgettable, and often totally unexpected, such as standing in the River Jordan with Israel just a few yards away where baptisms were taking place. Finding rock faces in Petra that looked just too incredible to be natural, like they have been vividly painted with abstract patterns. Seeing the Monastery in Petra for the first time, it’s not as ornate as the Treasury, but it’s HUGE! The incredible welcome and hospitality from the Bedouin and Jordanian people completely took me by surprise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim was a brilliant leader, who has been doing this for many years and his enthusiasm and infectious smile reflects how much he enjoys what he does. Any problems were dealt with quietly and efficiently with no fuss. Nothing was too much trouble and he repeatedly offered to make arrangements for any individual requests within his remit. He totally understands the British sense of humour which really contributed to the great atmosphere of our group. I felt he could deal with any situation if it arose so I was relaxed and able to fully immerse myself in enjoying a wonderful trip. Wherever we went people knew him and warmly greeted him which says it all really.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found that if you catch their eye and nod and smile, many Jordanians want to engage in conversation and ask where you are from and welcome you to Jordan. I was thrilled when I encountered a gentle elderly Bedouin man while going around a castle and he welcomed me and indicated he was happy to see tourists back in Jordan. Another time, in Petra, I managed to communicate to one of the men in the Siq (who cleared up after the donkeys,) that he kept it beautifully clean and he kissed my hand and seemed very pleased that his work had been acknowledged! Hospitality is everything in Jordan and with such friendly people I think it’s good to try and show your appreciation to them.

Karen Guest

Reviewed October 2019

Ramblings in Romania (with bears!)

Magura was a lovely base from which to explore this beautiful part of Romania, and a good variety of walks and activities were offered during the week. The walking was mostly fairly easy going.

Most Inspirational Moment

Magura itself! Such a beautiful setting, particulary with the Autumn foliage lighting up the surrounding hills. The bear sanctuary was very thought-provoking and it was inspirational to see the passion felt by Katerina and the others involved in the project. Having lunch in the local 'pub' in Pestera with a few bewildered, smiling locals who watched in amazement as 16 very wet and bedraggled hikers walked in!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thomas was excellent: very knowledgeable and good humoured. He was also very patient when dealing with the differing levels of walking abilities within the group. His organisation was excellent and he changed the itinerary around when needed to ensure we could enjoy most of the activities during the better weather days. Special mention too to Theo who ably assisted Thomas during the week, and was very friendly and helpful. Sebastian, who guided us on the first couple of days, was also an excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for changeable weather! We had everything from cold (with light snow on the mountains) and wet to sunny and warm. Sandwiches are made up from the breakfast buffet, but bring any other snacks with you if needed as these are not provided at the hotel. ATM machines are available at the airport (although a charge is incurred) and we were given the opportunity to use them before we left the terminal. Excluding the bear hide, which we paid in Euros, we spent about £100 in local currency for 2 of us over the week, which included the meal out, a few souvenirs, tips and drinks at the hotel (although the latter can also be paid in Euros). Hairdryers are available in the rooms, despite checking with Exodus and being advised that I needed to take my own! Tap water was perfectly potable (no ill effects felt by anyone in our party as far as I know!), so bring refillable bottles as advised by Exodus. Be prepared to spend quite a lot of time travelling in the vans and be prepared for crowds at Bran Castle!

Kirsty Deans

Reviewed October 2019

Cycling Leon to Santiago

This was my first group cycling holiday and it was just brilliant. The cycling was challenging but great fun. There were not many flat sections, a lot of “undulating” and a few big climbs but it was all manageable with plenty of stops for coffee, lunch or a quick visit to a castle or church that we were passing. The cycling never felt pressurised and all our group managed fine.
The weather was great, the scenery was varied and lovely , food and accommodation was all good and our group all got on really well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can’t pick one out but best cycling days for me were the second day where there was a long ascent to Monte de la Cruz de Ferro and the final day which was a longer cycling distance but had more off road sections and went through lots of gorgeous scenery. Inspirational moments were getting to the top of some of the hills and feeling great sense of achievement!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Alphonso was great. Very encouraging and positive with the cycling. Knew a lot of the local history etc of the places we went through, great at picking lovely places to eat and always smiling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As has been mentioned before, be fit for this trip as it will be pay off and make it more enjoyable , but at the same time, don’t be put off by the hills.

Paul McGovern

Reviewed October 2019

Stupendous Trekking

This trip was inspirational. The scenery, the challenge and the group combined to make this one of the top trips provided by Exodus. Our leader was excellent. His knowledge, storytelling and ability to read the group was outstanding. It was an extremely diverse group but the leader pulled it all together admirably. I would highly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Treks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was super fit and highly trained. He handled the group so well and had my total confidence.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring poles.

Darren Huston

Reviewed October 2019

Good experience

It was an extraordinary excursion with changing scenes, atmospheres and pressed with new encounters. The course extraordinarily catches the wide scenes and the natural life of South Africa. I adored it and would prescribe it to anybody.

Most Inspirational Moment

A visit to Kruger

Jan Flynn

Reviewed October 2019

Wow! What an amazing adventure!

Mongolia is a stunningly beautiful country. Miles and miles of vast open vistas, dotted with the occasional ger and nomad herds of animals. The Gobi desert was fascinating, including a visit to the place where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered! We visited many interesting and fabulous places, including several beautiful Buddhist temples. Wherever we went, the people were charming and very hospitable. The Eagle Festival was a spectacle I will never forget, with 120 eagle hunters competing to win the honour of being the champion. Dressed in their finest traditional clothing, riding their sturdy horses at speed, they called their massive golden eagles down from the rocky hillside to land on their arm.

Most Inspirational Moment

The spectacular Eagle Festival The peacefulness of the temples The wildlife throughout the trip Visiting nomad families and finding out more about their way of life The stars at night including the milky way Staying in gers in the middle of nowhere

Thoughts on Group Leader

MG made the trip a great success. She worked tirelessly to ensure that the trip ran smoothly, her knowledge of her country, it's history and culture, was fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend this trip. You have to go with an open mind, there are very few tarmac roads, so it's a bumpy ride! But the scenery is spectacular. Packaging for the trip is tricky, the temperature ranged from +28 to -8. So you need everything from shorts to a down jacket and pack lots of layers too.......whilst also trying to pack lightly for the internal flights. Take a good camera and binoculars!

Jeremy Matthews

Reviewed October 2019

Magnifique!

Exodus,Chalet Chocolat,Ben,Zohi,Shaun,Mark and Kate-thank you so much for a truly magical experience in the French,Swiss and Italian Alps. The list of superlatives to describe this experience is long but magnificent,extraordinary,stupendous,colossal,transformational and gourmet all spring to mind.
The day begins with fresh croissants,pain au chocolat,strong coffee,cereal,yoghurt and fruits to fortify for a day of exertion as we wandered and took in the various delights of the Chamonix Valley in the very capable hands of guide Shaun. The steep,snow-tipped peaks,hanging glaciers,lakes,forest,ancient village houses,cows with bells,flowers,mountain cafes and wildlife are a very bewitching and intoxicating combination,we all felt like we were in a scene from The Sound of Music or Heidi.Our baguette,cheese and ham packed lunch was eaten in a scenic location with jaw-dropping views,our legs were tired and sore by the time we’d descended back to the chalet for a freshly-baked cake (thanks Zohi!) then into the jacuzzi for a well-deserved soak before a beer or wine and some gourmet dinner and dessert treats prepared lovingly by Ben and Zohi.Each day was different and stimulating,the local town of Chamonix was very attractive with its fine restaurants,quality shops and museums and inspiring alpine back-drop. We’ve all left a piece of our hearts in Chamonix and many of us will surely return there for another active alpine holiday. Merci bien Chamonix- à bientôt!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif,raw nature.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very competent,thoughtful and knowledgeable. Thanks Shaun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Embrace the experience,prepare your body beforehand.

Amanda Grogan

Reviewed October 2019

INCREDIBLE HIKING EXPERIENCE

The trip was fantastic! I felt very welcomed and at home from the moment we stepped in the chalet and were greeted by Zohi and Ben. An absolutely beautiful property with a very cosy and communal feel, a great way to bond with your new travel friends. The meals made with love by Zohi and Ben were phenomenal! A great variety for breakfast and lunch paired with 3 courses for dinner – each night was completely unique, delicious and fun. I had some dietary requirements and never felt like this was difficult for Zohi – she made me feel included and provided just as high level and delicious alternatives. Zohi and Ben were so warm and welcoming and became instant friends with the group! They set the tone of the chalet and helped the team bond and enjoy their time at “home”. The meals they provided were so varied, colourful, amazing – and themed to the days events which was a really special touch. It wouldn’t have been the same without seeing them each day and sharing our days experiences.
A beautiful highlight of Mont Blanc with completely different trips and scenery each day, which was very special. Great pacing, good times of day to start and end hikes. It was so magical to see so many different parts of the valley/alps and It was some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.
Our hiking guide Shaun was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable – he was very professional and always ensured our comfort and safety as well as challenging us and teaching us about the area.
Shaun was a fountain of knowledge about the area and hiking. He was always professional and on-time. His organisation and time-lines were always spot on as well as his “walkie talkies” (what we affectionately nicknamed his updates for the next days hikes) which were very accurate and prepared us for the next day.
I would recommend this trip over and over and over, and can’t wait to travel with Exodus again. Ensure you read the trip notes as they are very accurate and prepare you well for the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing a hike made me really proud of myself and inspired to get fitter and incorporate more hiking in my daily life and travel Standing on top of Aiguille du Midi cable car and seeing Mont Blanc, the valley and Chamonix and all the places we had hiked

Paul Ruddell

Reviewed October 2019

Majestic Mont Blanc

Where do I begin – this trip is absolutely stellar. Chalet Chocolat is in a great location, and the Spa with mountain and glacier views always tops off an amazing day hiking. Shaun, our expert for the area was extremely knowledgeable about the geography and could easily amend walks to suit our groups needs. Zohi and Ben were amazing Chalet Hosts, cooked the most amazing food to make sure we earned each day of walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Any time I ate Zohi's food - made me want to stay for longer, hike more and come back to an amazing 3 course dinner!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Expert in the area, able to amend itinerary based on weather and ability of the group - would recommend Shaun to anyone!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd say you need to be a keen social hiker to really enjoy this trip. If you hike in your normal weeks/months, you'll be fine, but don't expect it to be a walk in the park.

Helen Rolton

Reviewed October 2019

Highlights of Mont Blanc Highlights

The activity level is Grade 3 but the experience level is off the scale; a complete holiday experience. Hiking in the most amazing scenery then returning to an authentic French chalet is the perfect option in this area. Our Chalet hosts, Ben & Zohi, were the ‘icing on the cake’, ensuring a stressfree holiday. Zohi’s cakes were something to look forward to at the end of each day’s hiking and the three course evening meals, matched with local wines, were the perfect end to each day. The only way this week could’ve been better was if a week was 14 days.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from the top each day!

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