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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

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14318 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Chris and Gill George

Reviewed October 2023

Incredible civilisation, well worth seeing

A great trip to see and begin to understand the incredible sophistication of such an ancient civilisation. From the chaos of Cairo through a series of temples along the Nile to the amazing reconstruction of Abu Simbel, the scale of the buildings and decorations was stunning. The limited time and poor advice when visiting the Valley of the Kings was a huge disappointment, however.

Most Inspirational Moment

The succession of temples along the Nile was amazing, each distinct and telling elements of the incredible civilisation that lived so many years ago. Karnak, Edfu and Kim-Ombo were particularly interesting, and the facilities and service on our boat were exceptionally good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Faten was an enthusiastic Egyptologist, who gave incredibly comprehensive introductions to the many amazing sites. She is a very proud Egyptian. However, as tour leader, she was not very clear at explaining the immediate arrangements and options, her English and clarity of speaking did not work well through the coach PA systems. Her timekeeping and engagement with the group was not of the standard we would expect from previous tours. We feel particularly let down by our visit to the Valley of the Kings, where our time was limited due to an unnecessarily late start, and we could have avoided the exceptional queues at the ‘free’ tombs to see more interesting ones, if we had been properly advised. There are also a number of other issues, which we will advise separately.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When visiting the Valley of the Kings, make sure you start early, and buy tickets to see tombs other than the ‘free’ ones included in the general admission. It’s so hot and humid, be prepared to change clothes at least twice a day! Be prepared to have your mind completely blown! Arrive a day early - most flights seemed to arrive early in the morning but were delayed, which meant the 8:30 start of the Tour was particularly gruelling.

Viv Morris

Reviewed October 2023

Setubal to Algarve

Although October, the temperature didn’t drop below 24 and was nearer 28, but cycling provided a breeze. Cycling beside a channel through rice fields, on cliff wide cliff paths, with beautiful sea views, over dirt tracks beside quiet main roads or through forests, or farm land or over flat cobbles through small towns, or up to a castle. Good restaurants chosen by the guides. On mountain bikes, (I had an e bike), we were on dirt tracks 30% of the distance which translates to what felt like 50% of the time as slower than on the roads. Good hotel swimming pools

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting my cycling nerve back (I’d crashed on my ebike earlier in the year and broken my wrist) and realising I could mountain bike over the sandy, rocky, bits when you had to use the skills demonstrated on the first day,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ricardo was very helpful and keen to enable us to have a good experience. He is passionate about this section of Portugal, wanting to share it with others. Each day he asked for feedback on the trip as this was the 2nd time it had run, so they can improve the experience for future trips. He tried his best to make sure people’s needs were met, and looked after us well. Vitor, who was the support, looked after the bikes well. My only suggestion would be they make sure the e-bikes have a large enough battery to make it to the end of the ride and that even if it looks like it has enough battery charge, they are still charged every night. They did provide another battery in the vehicle half way through, but the first days ride was stressful not knowing if I was going to be riding on a heavy ebike without any battery by the end.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are long sections that are off road, on loose grit, and sandy tracks, at times the bike ground to a halt. You are on mountain bikes for a reason. Ricardo gave us a lesson in how to ride over sand and down a short steep tricky section on day 1, so we knew the technique, the real thing didn’t feel quite so bad (I didn’t even attempt it on day 1 but did manage the real thing) and felt quite chuffed. I don’t like edges and drops, but the riding on the cliffs was fine, the paths are wide, and not near the edge.

Steve Russell

Reviewed October 2023

Excellent walking

A good variety of walks out from a lovely small hotel run by very friendly people.
The food was excellent, the lunch bags superb, the wine and beer very enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The circular walk on the last day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan was excellent, kept us informed, and ensured plenty of recovery breaks in unseasonable hot weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The going with ascents and descents on rocky terrain means that to get the best out of the walks some preparation is required.

Louisa G

Reviewed October 2023

Cappadocia Explorer - Premium Adventure

“Everything was well organised and when things happened and changes needed to be made, they were well communicated and alternatives made to make sure that we still got where we needed to be and made the most of the trip.
All the staff were friendly and polite and did their best to accommodate any changes and adjustments. “

Carol Smith

Reviewed October 2023

Nile Cruise

This initially was a challenging trip with many early mornings and long days. It would have demanded some commitment. But I feel privileged to have witnessed the tombs and temples of Egypt with a very experienced guide who demonstrated her love for her historical past

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunsets on the Nile were truly beautiful Witnessing the tombs and temples thousands of years ago was really quiet, mind blowing, and this makes the trip worthwhile Even though it is like scrumhalf at a football match to see these things it’s worthwhile, and I am happy to have invested to do so

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was a very experienced Egyptologist. She was very tired from a proceeding trip and had to stand in for a regular Exodus leader. She was tired and not engaged. We were tired and expected more. However, she was in love with her subject, and gave her Egyptology information with passion, the only criticism for me was it took her days to relax and I would like her to have shared more of an every day experience with us of Egyptian life, marriage, children, government etcetera and this was very sadly missing. Also she was not good at maximising moments or delivering moments.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If if you want to see the best of Egypt tombs and temples with an experienced guide, then this is the tour for you. If you want to have a relaxing time on a boat on the Nile, then this is perhaps not the tour for you if you want to see the tombs and temples There are a lot of visitors it’s very busy you have to maximise the time and move fast, but if you can do all that and stay awake it is a fabulous trip And do all the optional extras for the extra cost because that makes the trip amazing.

Linda Porter

Reviewed October 2023

Outstanding

This was our second time on this trip and won’t be the last. The second time we returned with 3 friends.
My husband is registered blind but has some residual vision which, with guidance, can allow him to take part.
Michael is an outstanding leader who plans meticulously and anticipates any problems. We were part of a full group of 15 and had the benefit of Pat as an additional, exceptional leader. We cannot thank them enough for their support, kindness and empathy. They make this the best experience anyone could wish for .
The walks are varied and interesting. Michael and Pat have brilliant local knowledge and insight.
Cortijo Rosario is a comfortable farmhouse with outdoor pool, exceptional food and stunning views.

Most Inspirational Moment

The National park is so quiet and beautiful and unspoilt. Caminito del Rey is fabulous but much more touristy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I mentioned Michael and Pat in the summary. Michael has extensive knowledge of flora and fauna, local and Algamitas where he has lived for many years. He inspires interest in the environment. He plans carefully and adapts routines around changes in weather etc. Pat is tireless and supported us all at various times throughout the week. He clearly enjoys the work and the company of other people. His empathy and understanding ensured my husband got the very best from this trip. These leaders are a real asset to Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully. It was unseasonably hot when we were there so make sure you have hats( especially that can be filled with water to douse your head) Room 3 is lovely as there is a balcony. The other rooms have fans but are very hot in hot weather.

Mala Shah-Coulon

Reviewed October 2023

Amazing in every way!

Great trip, hugely helped by weather in first week of October (blue skies. mid 20s with hardly any clouds!); stunning picture perfect scenery, great guides and group.

Most Inspirational Moment

I don't think I can find 1 moment ! I was really happy to be there all the time and to be able to complete the walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had 2 - Jeff and Jenny. Both amazing. Jeff is very inspirational and his knowledge of nature and his willingness to impart this to us is special. Both guides were very caring and motivational...they helped the group members a lot in various ways eg best techniques with poles, after falls (yes we had some) and how to overcome fear or just complete the walk at your own pace.

Advice for Potential Travellers

- it's a 3 walk but more like 3+ really so be prepared for some fairly steep ascents in sections; (and descents with loose scree). -having all the gear helps especially poles and sun hat/cap and also a bladder plus a bottle as many of the walks don't have the facility to refill. -definitely visit the museums in Brunech on day off. So worth it.

Angela Whitbread

Reviewed October 2023

wow what an amazing and diverse country!! one moment you are in the stunning serene countryside learning about tobacco the next you are in a loud, vibrant city full of unexpected things and history at every turn.
From being invited to dance in a restaurant by an after work group who were out drinking one night in Havana to blackouts, from salsa dancing with a live band to the beautiful beaches a treasure trove of a trip that I will never forget.

Most Inspirational Moment

visiting the cassas where the real Cubans live and very generously let us stay with them often with little English to get by but the shared love of animals and an open mind. visiting a local farmer and a local fisherman to see how they live and work was a privilege. Dancing in Trinidad with my tour leader Jorge accompanied by a live band was defiantly a highlight. seeing how hard it is for Cubans just to get to their workplace and dealing with the blackouts and the Wi-Fi connections and just everyday living that we take for granted. seeing the very different towns of vinales and Cienfuegos with their beautiful buildings then onto Trinidad and the wonderfully historic buildings there is like a time machine!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was amazing his English is perfect and his sense of humour was on point!! The love for his country and history is infectious and I can say I learnt a great deal from him. He is a very inspirational man. Our driver Juan carols was so good, driving such long distances is not an easy things on the Cuban roads which were mostly empty I might add due the fuel issue. both were such lovely warm people we wont forget in a hurry.

Advice for Potential Travellers

go with an open mind and you dancing shoes for a whistlestop tour of this beautiful country!!

Kasia Woch

Reviewed October 2023

Amazing trip!

I had an absolutely amazing time on the Discover Costa Rica trip. Our guide, Eduardo Lopez, was incredibly knowledgeable, especially when it came to wildlife. Exploring the cloud forests and rainforests was an unforgettable experience, and we encountered a wide variety of animals along the way. The accommodations were top-notch, and the entire trip was exceptionally well-organized. Thank you for this incredible adventure!

Janice Knight

Reviewed October 2023

Peru

In summary, the trip, the organisation, and the itinerary was extremely good.
Leo, our guide, was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Pichu and also stopping at an Oasis. The scenery was also stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leo was excellent. He was knowledgable, caring, answered all questions, and was extremely well organised. He made local stops, such as to an Oasis and also to a Road side stop on one of the long journey days, that had excellent coffee and shopping, and really should be included in the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The altitude caused ALL of us problems, from mild headaches to full sickness and needs to be more strongly emphasised. The weather was MUCH warmer than suggested in the Trip Notes and ALL of us had brought too many warm clothes and not enough light clothing. The bus stays are much longer than suggested, with few stops and often unanticipated holds ups meaning extremely long travelling days with little time to do anything on arrival except eat and sleep. The Hot Springs at Chivay shoukd be avoided- 1 overcrowded pool with blaring music and lots of loud teenagers.

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