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

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14375 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed October 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

If you wish to have an insight in to this wonderful country, this is an excellent starting point. You get to see all that Morocco has to offer – cities, coast, mountains and desert – with a view to being able to decide if there are parts of Morocco you would wish to return to and see in more detail. I would definitely go back. Morocco truly surprised me.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending time in the Atlas Moutains was wonderful. Kasbah Oliver is a lovely place to stay - you are are cut off from the madness of the outside world and at night time you get to experience true peace and quiet. There is no light pollution and so the stars are a sight to see. I have never seen stars so bright whilst in the northern hemisphere.I am not sure if inspirational is the right word but I did feel like I had landed on another planet when we visisted the medina in Fes. Sometimes you got the full force of being in the Twenty First Century and then you would turn a corner and see something truly medieval - artisans and workers showing off their skills, donkeys in the streets, bizarre products and recycled goods. Sometimes you got a bit of modern and medieval mixed in to one - standing and experiencing the sights (and smells) of the tanneries whilst looking over hundreds of rooftops all laden with satellite dishes. Just wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha is a true legend - intelligent, patient, funny, caring and totally in love with his country. My bag broke between London and Casablanca (the zip died) and within 24 hours (at no stress to myself) he had been to the souk in Meknes and got it fixed for me. We were all poorly (well 13 out of the 16 of us) and he was very helpful in terms of sorting medicines, asking after us and tweaking the itinerary for loo breaks when necessary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take anti-septic handwash with you. As stated above, we nearly all had a poorly tummy by the end of the 2 weeks and so be very careful about only drinking bottled water and not eating salads and not eating fruit unless you are peeling it (oranges and bananas). It goes without saying to give the street food in Marrakech a wide berth and also the fresh orange stalls in the main square a wide berth (they water it down with tap water).A lot of children we saw asked if we had pens/biros and so may be take a few extra to hand out.If possible try and experience a hammam - you might get the opportunity in the mountains in Kasbah Oliver where Exodus have helped set up a community hammam. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before and you will certainly get to know your fellow travellers well/intimately! My skin felt amazing afterwards.If you want to take a carriage ride in Marrakech, ask the driver what is the colour of the current tag for the horses. If a horse has been to the vet for a health check in the past 4 months (and passed the check up) it will have on one of its front legs a coloured tag confirming that. Don't get on a carriage where the horse has not got an up to date tag becuase that means the owner is not taking care of its horse.

Reviewed October 2013

WALKING IN TUSCANY

A truly wonderful week, exceeding all my expectations. Beautiful walks up through beech forests in all their autumn glory, to reach high mountain ridges and summits with some absolutely stunning views. Superb guiding by Sara Bull and, for the valley walk, Pierre Luigi. Braccicorti is a lovely place to stay – in an idyllic location, perfectly comfortable and offering delicious home-cooked food from the wonderful Mamma and her family. Lucca is a lovely place to visit on the free day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The incredible view that greeted us at the top of Pania Della Croce - stunning mountain peaks swathed in fluffy clouds stretching off towards the horizon and views out across the sea to Sardinia and Corsica. Breathtaking. The Monte Prado walk. The whole day was inspirational - emerging from golden and russet beech forests, with a deep blue sky overhead, to walk along the undulating Apennine ridge, dressed in shades of red, orange, yellow and green from the bilberry bushes, still covered in ripe berries. Views as far as the Alps, glistening in fresh snow cover.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. Sara is so passionate about these mountains and about nature and her passion is contagious! She is fully committed to her clients, working hard for us, both on and off the hill. Sara has vast experience of guiding in this area and worldwide, and I would trust her judgement 100%. She doesn't herd the group, but allows people to walk at their own pace much of the time, with plenty of opportunities to rest and regroup. However, in trickier sections of a walk, or if there is poor visibility, she keeps the group together and supports people appropriately. Sara will quickly assess the abilities and fitness levels of her clients and adjust the walks and her approach accordingly. The ascents and terrain took a few people out of their comfort zone, but it was worth it and Sara provided as much or as little support as was needed. She is also a mine of useful information about places to visit on the free day, local produce, medical ailments and herbal remedies!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip involves proper mountain walking above the treeline on most days. Don't underestimate the terrain - it is not the rolling hills that people associate with typical Tuscan countryside. It is more like walking to the tops of mountains in the Lake District or in Scotland. Paths are generally not exposed and there was only one tiny section of rocky ground to negotiate (which everyone managed fine), so you are not in any danger. However, the terrain did surprise some of our group and quite a few people found it more challenging than they expected. Don't let that put you off though - the mountains and the views are absolutely wonderful. Sara is also adept at choosing walks 'with options' - e.g. some of our group opted to lie in the sun on a beautiful ridge while others continued a little further on to a summit. The weather is very unpredictable in this area and at this time of year (October). We were lucky, with mostly warm and sunny weather, but it did rain for one whole day and was cold on some of the mountain tops, so it's worth being prepared. I would recommend taking waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, hat and gloves. Wear proper walking boots with ankle support. Although approach shoes might be suitable for some walks, most of the paths are rough and some of the terrain is rocky, so proper walking boots are more suitable. Walking poles are very helpful on this trip. Sara will give you lots of tips and advice for the free day - they are worth listening too. The restaurant she recommended in Lucca was excellent. (Lucca is also a great place to buy leather handbags!!) If you're travelling from Scotland, consider flying Ryanair from Edinburgh to Pisa. This worked out best for me on price, timings and convenience. The Braccicorti dogs, Dora and Elvis, walked with us every day. I am not usually that keen on dogs, but these two won me over, so don't be put off! They look out for the group too.

Reviewed October 2013

THE TROPICAL SOUTH

A remarkable trip. So much to see and do.After each day my head was buzzing from all the experiences I had encountered. There was also many contrasts of landscape, from the coast at Fort Kochi, the mountains of Munnar to the plains of Madurai.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sri Meenakshi Temple was incredible. A huge edifice buzzing with people. The guide was superb informing us about the many aspects of their religion.The houseboat on the backwaters starting from Allepey provided a contrast to all the bustle beforehand. Hugely relaxing but still a lot to absorb with all the vessels etc on the rivers.Watching the sunset at Kanyakumari after a busy day. So peaceful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thoufeek was incredible. His local knowledge was superb and he offered lots of hidden extras. He was determined we were all going to have a good time and didn't let us down. He helped us with all the different dishes and even arranged a join in cookery session where we had to cook our own meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with a sense of humour. India is quirky but take it as it comes.

Reviewed October 2013

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Really great walking (and climbing!) through beautiful woodland and hillsides, led by a brilliant guide, giving detailed info of the area and its flora and fauna. Slight disappointment with the food but accommodation was very comfortable and welcoming.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of each small summit to see a whole new beautiful world, each seemingly more breath-taking than the last

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on about 10 Exodus trips and I rate Sara as the best so far. She was informative, fully competent in every way, knew the area like the back of her hand, gave us every detail needed to make our free day a great experience, great sense of humour, and incredibly supportive of anyone lacking confidence. Quickly got to know all our abilities. Good safe driver. She always went the extra mile to make sure we were having a good time.She also never stopped once we were back each day - serving and helping with the supper and the breakfast.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it, use poles and be aware there are some challenging climbs.

Reviewed October 2013

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

A wonderful country with wonderful people. A varied trip with many hidden delights

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk on Horton Plains, and the view from Worlds End. Simply sensational views and a lovely walk. The walk up Lions Rock and the Elephant orphange was always great

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was fantastic, passionate about his country but always balanced with his views. He blended well with the group and was very open about answering questions

Advice for Potential Travellers

Decent insect repellant, sunblock, patience, and if you are taking the optional whale watching trip make sure you get information about the sea conditions !! Qulaity of hotel and food can vary but if you bear this in mind you will have a wonderful holiday

Reviewed October 2013

BOTSWANA WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS, OCT 2013

A magical experience that showcases a fantastic country, its people and its animals

Most Inspirational Moment

The people in the group and sitting around the campfire chatting every nightSeeing a leopard and its cub from a few metres away and the evening dinner Zambezi cruise.Camping wild

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was great and everything you want in a leader - relaxed and unflappable which created a great atmosphere and yet kept everything running smoothlyOur local guide Joseph was amazing at finding and getting us close to the animals

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went in late Sep / early Oct and it was really hot. The best thing I took with me was a silk sleeping bag liner as often this was all you needed.You may find it strange on the first few days that there is a lot of relaxation time in the afternoons (due to the heat) - such as midday to 5pm which we found a struggle on the first few days but it soon makes you relax and switch off and becomes part of your normal day

Reviewed October 2013

THE TROPICAL SOUTH

A wonderful colourful crazy frenzy of a trip. A good introduction to India if you’ve never been.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights were the giant Hindu temple at Madurai, especially the elephant blessing! the magnificent scenery driving through the tea plantations, the house boat, and the cottages on the back waters, and also the optional trip to the Southern tip where the 3 seas meet, absolutely amazing, fun and a bit crazy. It was all made perfect by our tour leader who was very welcoming and hospitable and organised many great optional activities for us. It was sad to go home at the end, I would have loved to have stayed on for 2 more weeks!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader really made the trip special with great optional activities, helpfulness with difficulties such as communicating food allergies, obtaining medication etc, his patience and also being funny and entertaining. He really became part of the group which is really important for group camaraderie. Thoufeeq is an excellent tour leader who really goes out of his way for his groups, has a great sense of humour and is a lot of fun :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare to be overwhelmed!

Reviewed October 2013

CYCLING IN GREECE

Demanding but enjoyable cycling enhanced by the archeological sites visited, the myths of ancient Greece recounted to us in the warm evenings and the quality, variety and value of the wonderful menus negotiated by our leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

My husband Michael sang queen's "Bicycle" at the Ampitheatre in the temple of Asklepius at Epidauros which was not only clearly heard by our party in the upper echelons but earned a round of applause from the many other tourists!!!! (He sang because our leader Christiana had pointed out in the excellent background notes that the ancient Greeks were expert at acoustic design and if you spoke from the centre point of the ampitheatre you would be heard clearly in the gods of the open air ampitheatre. She was absolutely right.) Also racing over the tops between Epidavros and Tolo and eating dinner on the beach that night.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Cristiana and her no.2 Cristos were tremendous. This is the first time we have started a cycling holiday with a poem which turned out ot be a prophecy which came true on our trip. They responded to major and minor crisis by keeping us informed acting with the calm of the proverbial swan. They also saved us significant amounts of money by buying lunch through a kitty and negotiating our eveninig menus so that the cost of our food and drink on the holiday was way below the advised amounts in Exodus literature.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mug up on Aesops Fables! Go on a diet before you set off!

Reviewed October 2013

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Great holiday in a beautiful part of the World.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up through the gorge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowlegable fun charactor.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about what Money to take as Katherina (hostess at house) will take Euros, Pounds or Lei at the house to pay for optional activities ( and drinks, more economical to buy a wine by the bottle than by the glass!) and you don't need any Lei until you get to Bran and then can get some from a cash machine.

Reviewed October 2013

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Not unequalled, but equal first with a wonderful holiday we spent in New Zealand.

Most Inspirational Moment

For us, there were many great moments on this trip:Walking on the Great Wall. Interacting with ordinary Chinese people in theTemple of Heaven Park. Seeing Red & Giant Pandas (and baby giant pandas inthe nursery). Cycling and kayaking in Yangshuo. Very varied and interestingregional Chinese food (most meals had eight or more different dishes).Chinese cookery in countryside outside Yangshuo. River cruise through Yangtzegorges.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Jenny was practically perfect in every way. She looked afterus like a mother hen, dealt with difficulties very effectively and accommodatedpeople's wishes for changes to the trip (where these weren't mutuallyconflicting).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes carefully. Take your own roll of toilet paper and keep afew sheets on you. Take your own antiseptic hand cleaner and keep it handy.If it rains, the rain can be very heavy: either accept getting quite wet (notactually that bad) or take truly waterproof clothes. If you buy an umbrellalocally, open it and try it before handing over cash.

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