Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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13884 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Sara Fox
Reviewed September 2024
Epic views and a great challenge - Loved every minute of it!
This is an excellent trek. Definitely a challenging hike as you are either going up or going down – both can be as tough! This tour is definitely worth the challenge though – the scenery is spectacular every day of the hike! Exodus have organised a great trek, with welcomed rest days in between hiking days. The campsites are great – a couple of wild ones with little amenities, however this gives you the opportunity to bath in the rivers to sooth those tired feet!
Most Inspirational Moment
Waking up everyday to see the most beautiful views of the alps and sharing that feeling with other like-minded people - and of course completing the tour!
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were fortunate to have Jeffry as our group leader - He is a very experienced, enthusiastic and inspiring guide who shared his vast knowledge on the geology, flora and fauna of the area. He set a good pace for the group and his guiding was very considerate. He was very caring, adaptable and had a great sense of humour. I loved the morning warm up we did before starting off each day!
Jeffry was assisted in camp with Albert - He would set up camp for us and greet us with biscuits and a hot drink or a cold beer (from his honesty bar) after a long day hiking. We had some great camp meals cooked by Albert - often more favourable than the restaurants! They made a great welcoming team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Like other reviewers have mentioned - be prepared for long days hiking. We were up and off by 7:30am most days after making lunches and packing up camp - we would arrive at camp between 4-5pm most days. We were very fortunate with the weather in Aug/Sept and only had one day of rain and no snow, however wet weather would definitely add to the challenge. If you are prepared to muck-in around camp every morning & night after a long day then this tour is for you!
That said, I would highly recommend this tour - you will not regret it!
Sarah Nicholas
Reviewed September 2024
Great way to explore Eastern Europe
A wonderful holiday visiting four countries and four capital cities. The cities and towns are beautiful and the trip involves a visit to a number of UNESCO World heritage sites. The cycling is varied using country roads, tracks and through forests.
Most Inspirational Moment
Learning about what it was like to live in the countries under communist rule and about the fall of the iron curtain.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jan was excellent. He kept us well informed and organised restaurants and tickets for a concert in Vienna for us. He was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the countries we visited. It was particularly interesting to hear about his time growing up in Slovakia.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We naively assumed that the weather would be good but we lost some day's cycling due to rain, so take some wet weather gear.
Joel Sutherland
Reviewed September 2024
Morocco - Exceeded Expectations
This trip had everything – great guides, great food, wide mixture of activities, and eye-opening perspectives on Morocco’s history and culture that exceeded my expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sahara and Atlas Mountains - especially the camel ride in the Sahara.
Thoughts on Group Leader
This was my second Exodus trip (the first was the Baltics) and both group leaders have been fantastic. The Morocco trip was more challenging than the Baltics, for the group leader, due to the diversity and remoteness of much of the country to which we traveled - from the cities to the remote mountains and desert. Our group leader for Morocco, Kahled, made sure we were always well-informed and supported. He seemed to be on top of everything making us feel secure and always available for questions. His selection of local guides was superb. I give Kahled a 5+ out of 5 - and I'm an academic.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go to Morocco...you won't be disappointed.
Annie Rogers
Reviewed September 2024
Disappointing
The actual rides did not match the trip notes. The description that suggested we would be on trails seeing lots of small villages and churches, the Baltic Sea; the lakes were not true. We rarely saw any of the suggested items. We cycled a lot of roads which was pressured for time and one day on a supposed coast road it was a long slog on a main road with heavy traffic with no views to the sea or lake. The itinerary stated going through forests and meadows but you might as well describe a journey from Kendal to Penrith as travelling through mountains past lakes and pastures but you’re still on the M6!
We were often late getting started on the ride( one day 5pm) and rushed for the showers and evening meals so it felt like boot camp. It needed a rest day built in. We decided to skip one ride to visit Riga as there was v little time to sightsee the major cities otherwise. The bikes were heavy and not well maintained as was the coach which finally broke down delaying the start of that days riding which meant missing the end destination of a monastery. Some people were on e bikes and were often allowed to set the speed so we were v often v spread out and this caused problems for the leader with people getting lost. The trip needs a complete revamp and possibly more initial assessment of individuals needs as these were v varied and would have helped to know peoples sizes to fit the bikes better.
Badly planned; poorly led; badly maintained bikes and dishonestly described trip notes which should fall under the rules of the trade description act. Promised a lot but didn’t deliver
Most Inspirational Moment
I enjoyed the swims in lakes and the Cold War and Amber museums. The last day was the best with a cycle ride on quieter roads with no traffic through more interesting countryside than the usual pine forests ( which became a bit samey ) a boat trip and a swim in the lake. The overall trip needed more variety like this particular day.
The choice of hotels was ok. The city visits were good but needed more time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Vee was possibly new to the tour and had some challenges to deal with both with poor bikes , a lady who was sick and needing hospital admission, a dodgy coach and a group with v different needs. She also got lost on occasions. She wasn't v clear with her instructions and didn't always wait for us all to come together before imparting them which was a consequence of her allowing the group to get too spread out. Her English was good but she confused the group with mixing vital parts of information with then too many options.
However she gave us lots of history of the three countries plus her own experience of having lived during the occupation. She arranged a number of activities but timings were not always well planned.
I do feel though that a trip like this with a big group ( we were 15) needed two guides.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't do it!
But if you decide to bring your own sink plugs!
John Ratcliffe
Reviewed September 2024
Partners in Wine
Title taken from our Group Whatsapp – which was just part of the story. Had high hopes for this holiday and they were fully met. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend this holiday to those seeking a real Tuscan experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick out one when we visited many inspiring places. However, our 2 favourites were:
1. After a very interesting wine tour with Cesar, we then had a guided tour of the family mansion before we sat down to enjoy his wines and an ample spread in the Olive Press room. It was a fabulous experience despite getting bitten in the Vineyard. Please take insect repellent and after bite cream.
2. Gill my partner, particularly enjoyed sitting outside and surveying the Tuscan landscape whilst the sun set and we were eating the pasta which we had made.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alejandro is a very experienced guide who is able to take everything in his stride. He was conscientious, knowledgeable and sociable. Always helpful and was there for us. Liked him a lot!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Already stressed above, please pack your insect repellent and after bite cream. The mozzies, flies etc are viscous. May have just been the time of year.
You do get value for your money but your holiday can be pretty full on with tours and social events. On the day off, we did appreciate relaxing around the pool before we went to San G. later on in the afternoon.
Do it and go!
Dezlin Vergotine
Reviewed September 2024
ADY: Sicily Food Adventure
An insightful view of the food influences, inspired by the Arabs and Normans. The island itself is incredibly fertile, enjoying an ideal climate for the cultivation of produce, such as olives, oranges, lemons, aubergines, tomatoes, pistachios and almonds, not to mention the fresh seafood caught right off the coast. A visit to the renowned wine cellar on Mount Etna, to enjoy a wine tasting and lunch, followed by a walk around the most active volcano in Europe.
Most Inspirational Moment
Learning from the accredited Tour Guide, which was allocated for the day, how the Temples of Agrigento was built.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was very engaging and informative.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring a warm jacket for your Mount Etna hike.
Bethany McNally
Reviewed September 2024
fascinating Madagascar :)
Wow where do I start?! I have dreamed of visiting Madagascar for many years now and it didn’t disappoint. There were a few unfortunate moments along the way, but I’m so chuffed I got to experience this truly unique destination. I wanted to visit Madagascar due to how biodiverse the country is, animals found nowhere else and bizarre trees and plants, but not only did these astonish me but the people too are also very unique. 18 different ethnic groups listening to different music, living in different houses and dressing really brightly and uniquely. Just watching them as we travelled was captivating. The children were so sweet, not having much but making the most out of playing with stones and making little boats out of wood and plastic, laughing with their friends was heartwarming to see. I’m not going to lie though the poverty was really hard to witness, I have never seen poverty like it, just wishing there was something I could do to help. Witnessing the devastation of slash and burn, loss of wonderful rainforests and with that many of the unique wildlife disappearing too, is utterly devastating. Only 30 years ago was Madagascar called the green Island, its now named the red island due to such a huge area of forest disappearing. No wildlife outside of the national parks, once it would have been abundant with many wonderful species.
The trip itself was amazing, however I do think you have to be a hardened traveller. There are some really long days in the van (which I did know about) but it can be quite difficult, due to the fact our van was inadequate, it wasn’t made for those roads and had NO air-con which was unbearable on some of the hotter days! I would suggest reading the trip notes and day to day itinerary THOUROUGLY to make sure you can handle it, not just for yourself but also your fellow travellers. Some of the days i.e the day in Ranomafana was tough, looking for lemurs in thick bushes and on steep ledges, if you’re not fit it would be quite dangerous. Early starts and long days travelling can affect anyone no matter how fit you are. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Not only were the long drives tough, all of us on our trip got bad sickness bugs, I think your bound to get one, prepare for it with the correct medication etc. Thankfully I was bedbound on one of the beach days, as not sure what I would have done if it was a ten-hour drive, stopping every ten minutes ha-ha! Please also bare in mind you don’t get told what time your internal flight is until the day before, we got told at dinner time we had to get up and ready for our speed boat transfer at 4am. Not ideal and it put a dampener on our final meal together! I mean funny looking back, on a speed boat with no lights, whilst feeling sick! I can laugh now as I’m all comfy and well! ha-ha :).
Also, I would like to add on day 8 where is says: Full-day trek in Isalo National Park visiting Monkey Canyon and natural swimming pools. Was very misleading, our guide Claudia got me and my partner aside as she knew we had originally booked the trekking trip (which got cancelled) and said she thinks it would be better if we got a private guide which could take us on a longer hike and visit the swimming pools etc, we went ahead with this chuffed at the time. Had a fabulous day, in fact the best on the trip! But we technically paid for what should have been included anyway, so we were a little annoyed. Upon speaking to the rest of the group, we find out all they did was walked in the park for a few hours and didn’t visit the swimming pools then went back to the hotel before 12pm. We felt like they have been robbed of a fabulous day, I know one of the couples could have managed this hike and they were definitely disappointed. I don’t understand why this happened and I feel like Exodus should provide two guides, one guide for the longer hike and one guide for the people who can’t manage it.
All in all, this was a truly amazing adventure of a lifetime. I will never forget it! It was a dream come true. I mean how lucky am I to see sifaka in the wild and spend time with some truly amazing people. Thanks to my group who also made this trip amazing! Great couples and laugher made this trip even better 😊.
If you’re up for an adventure of a lifetime with some mad moments thrown in there, Madagascar is waiting for you to explore it!
Most Inspirational Moment
Hearing the call of the INDRI INDRI for the first time was wonderful, and having them jump over my head was something I’ll never forget. Seeing a family of Verreaux's sifaka looking after their baby was a privilege. Trekking in Isalo National Park and having the natural swimming pools to ourselves was unbelievable, I mean if you could dream paradise this would be it! Visiting a local’s house, walking into the bedroom/kitchen and having a cow in the lounge is something I’ll not forget ha-ha! Watching life go by on the long drives was truly fascinating, keep your eyes open you never know what you will see. Visiting the paradise beaches at the end, I mean there are literally no other tourists, that wouldn’t happen anywhere else. Just take it all in, its not called the 8th continent for no reason, there is NOWHERE like it honestly! Its worth all the sickness 😊.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Claudia our guide was extremely knowledgable and could answer all our questions about the destination. We just felt there was something missing, she didn’t seem to gel with the group as other guides have on previous trips.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Again, read the trip notes and itinerary thoroughly!!! Pack toilet roll and have it with you at all times, some of the toilets are quite hard to handle. Pack plenty of snacks and sweet for the journeys and the children along the way. Pack some layers for the highlands as it can get quite cold there. Pack sickness tablets and hand sanitiser etc. Go with an open mind and make the most as the destinations at the end of the long drives are worth it. Read about Madagascar before you go so you have an understanding of the destination, as some people can be quite shocked.
Stanley Fine
Reviewed September 2024
Like Nowhere Else
Bolivia can be challenging with poor infrastructure, unpaved roads and high altitudes, but it is so worth the effort. From the lowlands to the highlands, the scenery shifts, yet it is always impressive and can be like nowhere else. From the historical district in Sucre, the mines in Potosi, the chaos of La Paz and the serenity in Lake Titicaca and especially Salar de Uyuni, it’s just one day of discovery and insight after the other.
Most Inspirational Moment
Experiencing miners hustling outside of their mine in Potosi, and listening to the stories from our guide, was enough to paint a bleak picture of hardship that I knew nothing about. In contrast, the emptiness and vastness of the salt flats was a thing of beauty and wonder and more astonishing than I expected.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Julia was terrific. She knows her stuff, loves showing off her country and clearly cares about the well-being of her group. Everything ran smoothly. The hotels were excellent to adequate, the drivers were careful and her choice of restaurants sometimes surprised with some fabulous meals.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip was in early September and although there could be near freezing temperatures in the very early morning at some locations, by the time we were on the road and outdoors, it had warmed up to springlike temperatures. The hotels provide plenty of blankets. Thermal underwear, gloves and bed socks were never needed. It also never rained except for the last morning before departure in Santa Cruz. Pack lighter. The trip notes also need to be updated. Some parts are repetitive and inaccurate.
You're much better off having $100 notes and exchanging them for Bolivianos rather than using an ATM or credit card. The official exchange rate was around 6.87 for $1, but unofficially, you can get 10 Bolivianos for $1.
Angela Wallace
Reviewed September 2024
Myths, legends, and thousands of years of history
Good, full-on trip covering lots of ground and amazing scenery and history.
Most Inspirational Moment
Meteora, Olympia and Delphi were particular highlights for me - Acropolis in Athens was of course amazing but way busier even than expected. Navarino bay at Pylos was also unexpectedly spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
George was a consummate professional with encyclopedic knowledge of all the sites and museums visited, as well as being superbly organised and amenable to questions in general, and IMO went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a good trip. A conscientious tour guide, he made sure he had all the information anyone on a trip like this could ever need, and spent much of his own time making sure everything was in place for the day's events.
He and our diver Gregoris were very good at getting us in to places before they got too busy with the many big cruise ship and coach trip tours that seemed to be everywhere, and were always helpful and friendly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It's a full-on itinerary which can be quite tiring, especially in the heat, and IMO was a bit museum-heavy. Some sites don't have much shade so for anyone pale and Irish like me, sunscreen, insect repellant and hats are essential! So are good walking shoes and plenty of water - I find an insulated water bottle essential, and there are often public fountains where you can fill up (top tip, use the Refill app to discover where these are).
Sue Beesley
Reviewed September 2024
A gem of a trip.
A truly wonderful trip. A chance to travel into Zimbabwe – an African country I hadn’t visited before – and to revisit Botswana staying in comfortable lodges, plus the highlight of wild camping for 2 nights in the Okavango Delta. Very comfortable transport which was appreciated on the couple of long drives on bumpy roads. A great group of travel companions (including our guide) who enjoyed the shared experiences and lots of laughter and banter during evening meals and a memorable sunset cruise.
Most Inspirational Moment
Innumerable inspiring moments. Close encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos and hippos. Sitting round camp fire and being entertained by the wonderful polers after delicious food cooked by Adonia. Numerous bird sighting. Given the opportunity to walk in the Delta and Matopos. Optional plane ride over the Delta emphasised its beauty and vastness. The immense knowledge of all our guides in national parks about the animals and birds we encountered. The lovely tented accommodation at Nata with an outdoor shower. Starry moonlit night skies. Beauty of Matopos hills.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adonia is definitely a 5 * guide. Reading previous reviews, it seems that it is usual to have a guide and driver. Adonia performed both of these roles efficiently and with great good humour, ensuring everyone in the group was included, any problem dealt with swiftly, giving clear instructions and generally being one step ahead of any likely difficulties. His knowledge of wild life is great. His English is perfect. He is a fantastic cook. We learnt so much from him about Zimbabwe (his country) and Botswana. Any future group are lucky to have him as their guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just enjoy and immerse yourself in every experience. Don’t expect to see everything on your wish list - so much depends on time of year etc. - and the luck of being in the right place at the right time. As said in previous reviews - put any footwear in top of luggage ready for disinfecting going into Botswana. There are a couple of days of long drives over bumpy “roads” but plenty of opportunities for snack and comfort breaks. The majority of our group felt we had too long at Vic Falls at the end of the trip and would have preferred more time in Hwange, perhaps because no one was interested in the optional activities there. However the Falls themselves are awe inspiring. Take some US $ in small denominations for tips and souvenirs in Zimbabwe. WiFi available in all lodges and ATMs in major towns.
