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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14374 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Darren Coles

Reviewed June 2019

Walking the Amalfi coast

Was a Fantastic Walking Trip have been wanting to do this tour for 2 years and it didn’t disappoint at all The walks were Amazing and the views breathtaking .Hotel was excellent food was superb .

Most Inspirational Moment

After studying Vesuvius and Pompei as a Child this was the highlight for me getting walk to the very top of Vesuvius with a local Vulcanologist where 99% of tourists are not aloud to go was a dream come true the view were amazing .Pompei and Herculaneum were oustanding the guides we had brilliant and brought the two cities alive with the history and stories of the poor victims we saw

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania was oustanding right from the 1st day she made sure we were all okay on the walks ,let us walk at our own pace and never rushed us.We had plenty of stops to rest and have water as the heat and humidity were a hinderance especially on the 1st day .She brought the group o together and was a great tour leader and couldn't do enough for you . A beautiful caring Young Lady and she helped make the trips one of the best ive done with Exodus

Sue Turner

Reviewed June 2019

A wonderful trip

Would definitely recommend this holiday. I have never seen so many flowers and the scenery generally was amazing. It was a tough trek, but the trip notes make this very clear – so there were no surprises. We were made to feel very welcome at the huts and guesthouses, and it was lovely to spend time in such a remote region. The guides were really helpful and had worked very hard to put the trip together. Altogether a great experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the mountain lakes was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both our guides were excellent, and worked really hard to ensure we had a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of insect repellent, and a sandwich box would also be helpful.

June Egglestone

Reviewed June 2019

Lovely holiday

A lovely week walking, plus swim in the sea at the end of each day. The town is nice and laid back.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 2 when we ended up at a lovely beachside taverna for lunch followed by a swim was a great way to start. But, I enjoyed all the walks, hard to pick a favourite. This was my first time in Athens too, so great to see the Acropolis.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile was an excellent group leader, very easy to get along with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

day 2 walk - take flip flops/wet shoes, as the beach you end up in (which is lovely) has stones that are quite painful to walk on (if you want to have a swim), and burning hot too if you are there in summer! days 3/4 walks - wear long trousers, the gorse is quite scratchy on your calves. The hotel is basic, but it's fine, and a great location (beach over the road), so dont let the two stars put you off going on this trip. Athens - if you want to see the acropolis AND the associated museum, you will not have time to do both on the day trip, advise getting in a day early or a day late if you wish to do both. It's easy to get into Athens and back to the airport using the metro, and there are facilities in the airport to store your luggage, if you just get an earlier flight on day 1.

Zayna Davis

Reviewed June 2019

peru adventure

Overall a fantastic trip would use exodus again.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it i loved every single part all amazing and breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilmer was the best tour guide i have ever had! I have done many many tours and wilmer was by far the best. Her was funny and helpful and his knowledge of peru was so brilliant. I learnt more than i ever imagined.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The inca trail is tough but once you have climbed the final OMG steps you realise just how worth it the hike and climb was!!

Bev Wickham

Reviewed June 2019

Exceeded my expectations

An amazingly diverse trip taking in wonderful UNESCO world heritage sites. From cities to isolated mountainous hikes, swimming at Kravica waterfalls and lunches in out of the ordinary hidden gems. I now have a much greater knowledge and understanding of the war in these countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

As a wild flower and especially Orchid lover, the Flora was breathtaking. The unspoilt countryside, meadows and alpine regions were packed full of so many species. Swimming in Kravica waterfalls was an experience never to be forgotten. The walk towards the Rakitnica canyon,views and lunch with one of the main village families sitting out in the open is a memory that will stay with me for a long time

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alen our group leader was over and above anything I could have asked for. He was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and great fun - even his jokes!! Nothing was to much trouble for Alen and he went out of his way to make this a truly memorable holiday. One of our group unfortunately broke his leg at the end of a hike. Alen’s knowledge of making a temporary splint, staying calm and organised and still managing to make sure we were all looked after was very impressive. What a guy and a man of many talents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do make sure you have suitable foot ware for rougher terrain. The walk down to the Rakitnica canyon was rugged in some parts and some of the cobbled streets are slippery with so much footfall especially Mostar. We made the mistake of arriving at Kotor on day one after a long journey from Dubrovnik and crossing borders etc and went out exploring immediately. This wasn’t necessary as we had a guided tour the next day. It may be a good idea to walk up the steps to St John’s Fortress for panoramic views. This needs to be done earlier or later in the day because of the heat.

Hi Marina Hill

Reviewed June 2019

Very sad

Flight was cancelled, accommodation is unacceptable, staff pushed to their limits, everything was in a rush, and all what Exodus can say – we are very sorry and will not consider any form of compensation

Most Inspirational Moment

Exchanging emails with you guys

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was under too much pressure

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, avoid it, use Exploor, Intrepid or Tucan instead

Stephen Mardon

Reviewed June 2019

Great way to visit three countries with long histories and appreciate their cities and countryside

This was an excellent way to visit 3 countries, including the opportunity to explore their capital cities as well seeing the best parts of the countryside. A mixture of cycling and culture which appealed to me.
Having made my own travel arrangements, I arrived at the hotel in Tallinn in advance of the main party flying in from Gatwick so had a chance to explore the city that evening myself.
After meeting up with the others at breakfast on Sunday morning our leader gave us a short guided tour of the city before our minibus took us to the Lahemaa National Park where our cycling started.. The bikes we had were brand new sturdy Merida trekking bikes with water bottle holders, rear pannier frames and front suspension. Everyone was given a waterproof pannier to carry their belongs and a number of cycle locks were distributed to secure cycles when parked up unsupervised at stops. The bikes were well suited for the cycling which was primarily on flattish terrain with mostly tarmac roads, but with some gravel trails. The cycling was mainly on rural roads and cycle paths, with a small percentage of urban cycling.
Maps showing the route were given out each day, and there were regular stops during the day to get water(supplied) from the minibus and to allow the group to come together.
Apart from one day when we bought a picnic in a supermarket, daily lunch stops were at cafes or restaurants where food selections could be limited but there was always a vegetarian option.
The leader suggested a restaurant for an evening meal which group members were welcome to join him at. These were local establishments which served local dishes which were well worth trying.
There were a couple of long vehicle transfers towards the end of the holiday but these were broken up by stops along the route to stretch legs and buy drink and snacks.
Overall prices of food & drink were very good value.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the 2 days of cycling in the Lahemaa National Park, Estonia right at the start of the holiday. Beautiful coastal, woodland and farming scenery, quiet roads and cycle trails, and a stay on a historic mansion in the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was the consummate host, cheerful, welcoming and willing to go the extra mile to ensure everyone on the trip got the best out of their holiday. His stories about the histories of the 3 countries and of growing up during a time of massive change as they regained independence brought the realities of life alive. His suggestions as to where to stop for meals, and where to eat in the evening were (with one exception) excellent, while his mini-tours of the 3 capitals and Tartu were informative and really helpful, allowing people to orientate and thereafter explore themselves. He also gave the group options as to routes so we had an excellent city cycling tour of Vilnius rather than a less interesting route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good insect repellent (and anti-histamine) as Baltic mosquitoes and other biting insects are voracious. None of the hotels where we stayed have sink plugs, so carry a universal one. Make sure you have cash in low denomination notes. A number of the places where we stopped only accepted cash. Cash is available from ATMs in the cities. Take some fruit or bread,from the breakfast buffet, in your pannier in case you need an energy boost.

melanie port

Reviewed June 2019

Fantastic - and challenging!

This is basically a nine day continuous hike – trekking at least 88 miles over those nine days, up over 8000 metres, and down a lot more. There is no rest day in the middle. The speed is fast, with few sitting-down rest stops (just quick water/snack breaks standing up). Most days involve a fast steep ascent, and 7-8 hours of trekking. The views of mountains, alpine meadows, and flowers are unbelievable. There are very few people, as a lot of the route is taken on local tracks. Highly recommended, but only for the very fit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day of trekking (day 11) when we lunched by the Jerveca Lakes; criss crossed the borders between Montenegro and Albania; scrambled up rocks and across snow; coped with the very long steep scree downhill; ate wild strawberries; delighted, as always in the incredible views and fantastic flowers; found bear scat - all with the backdrop of the Accursed Mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bleard Y was a very good leader of people. He was friendly, supportive, on time with departures, good information in the briefings, good sense of humour. Very interesting person because of his Albanian military profession.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Agree on one person to collect all tips on day 2 (when you have recovered from the short overnight on day 1, but before you leave the guesthouse on the morning of day 3). That person should then consult with the group leader ON ARRIVAL into each guesthouse/hut, to find out what to tip the guesthouse for that night, and the driver/horsemen/local guide the following day. No need for a sleeping bag - just an inner sleeping bag. No need for sterilising tablets etc as good water is readily available. Get very few leks. If vegetarian, bring own interesting food. Bring Vit C tablets/dried fruit.

Marion Watkinson

Reviewed June 2019

Tour of epic proportions

The only criticism of the trip was that a number of hotels which were a good standard and a wide variety of styles and locations had very poor breakfasts of mainly cakes and issues with the rooms. Plumbing problems air con not switched on and difficult to control. One hotel set in a cave was wonderfully appointed in an ultra modern style but the toilet flush was problematic and plaster dropped all over the floor and beds and our hair and faces due to the damp. More attention to detail is needed on the part of management. I was very pleased overall and the tour certainly lived up to expectations in all other respects. This is a very expensive tour and difficult to justify but I loved all the places we went to and would certainly go back for more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say as it’s all so inspirational but probably the mosaics and the engineering achievements in construction of the temples and villas. The museums offered a staggering array of artefacts especially the one housing the Morgantina findings. Sadly a grass fire prevented us from seeing the site itself but do go on this optional visit if you can.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mileena was passionate and knowledgable about all aspects of the tour. A geologist by profession and a highly experienced tour organiser. A real gem of a guide which was all I had hoped for from Exodus and the reason I chose this tour over other companies offering cheaper options.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes. June was not the best choice for sightseeing as it was unbearably hot but good for the beach visits if you have time. Mileena advised that November could be good for both activities but the weather is so unpredictable so difficult to generalise. There are many steps to visit the baroque churches in tour but hop on hop off buses and land trains can get you to see most places if you have trouble with knees and feet. You need incredible stamina for this tour but no more than most Exodus trips. I found it easier than my previous excursion to the Greek islands last year rated grade 1 and this was grade 2.

Hazel Baughan

Reviewed June 2019