Reviews

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

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14331 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Frances Rawson

Reviewed May 2023

Highlights tour is a light touch of all things Amalfi - not the adventure holiday I was hoping for

Unfortunately, I was unable to join the Walking the Amalfi Coast group as it was fully booked, so I chose Highlights of Amalfi Coast instead because it seemed similar and included the visit to Pompeii. In hindsight, for me and a few others who had chosen the tour for the same reason, it wasn’t the right choice. I was looking for a more physically demanding adventure holiday and the Highlights tour is not that. It’s a gentle pace tour with only a few slightly physical moments, with late starts, early finishes, transport everywhere by bus, leisurely wandering, and shopping time. POSITIVES: Wonderful views, excellent food, lovely fellow travelers on the tour, well-organized each day. The tour offers a light touch of all things Amalfi Coast so you get to see the highlights in a comfortable manner. NEGATIVES: 1. The hotel is located in the hills, so long hours were spent each day on the bus/coach, traveling at a snail’s pace on clogged, windy roads. 2. Only two hours spent in Pompeii – too short. The main reason I booked the tour was for Pompeii and Herculaneum and, to be escorted out of Pompeii after only two hours, having only seen a small segment while other tourists roamed freely, was deeply disappointing. Pompeii is a far larger site than Herculaneum and it requires a longer visit. 3. The Path of the Gods’ walk was highly anticipated and the vistas were stunning; however, we got turned around only part way along and it was too short. SUMMARY: A well-organized and leisurely tour with everything arranged and transport provided. However, for active, seasoned travelers seeking a physical adventure, this tour may not be satisfying enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, the day trip to Herculaneum and Pompeii was the highlight, however, the time spent at Pompeii was not nearly long enough. The day trip to Ravello was also a highlight - it's a lovely trip and a pretty place to visit. I just wish that the weather had been warmer. Travel in September / October if you are looking for some italian summer sun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio, our charming Sicilian group leader, was helpful and interested in making sure our group had a safe and enjoyable trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I recommend you pay the extra supplement to upgrade your room - do it when making your tour booking as it may be too late to change after you've arrived at the hotel. The south-facing rooms with balconies are sunny and light and they are the premium rooms. April is COLD on the Amalfi Coast so be sure to wear a warm jacket if you're traveling at this time. If there is sun there will likely be cold winds, so you won't be laying on the beach and sunning yourself on this trip. No need for walking boots, poles, or backpacks (other than a small daypack) - this tour is not that kind of adventure. You will be asked for extra money to pay for tips and lunches.

Di Blackburn

Reviewed May 2023

Challenging, fun walking trip in the very beautiful Azores

A great hiking programme that showed off the 3 islands we visited at their best (with the exception of the hike on day 2 in the afternoon -I believe you already know about this and the hike has already been removed – it was a shame, as I think for some, it caused some discomfort for later walks). The mix of islands, opportunity to walk/eat together as a group, was a great balance of activities. There was time on a coach/travel every day, however, that was an ok amount of travel, to ensure we got the best of our time there. The Azores are absolutely beautiful and I would recommend this holiday (with a few tweaks). Generally packed lunches were ok, some lovely picnics on part of the route. (one day was poor , the cheese sandwich day, would like to see that improved)

Most Inspirational Moment

A couple of moments, for me personally, finishing every hike, at times that wasn't easy! However with the encouragement and support of everyone it was possible. it hasn't put me off, I know where I need to improve and would go again. I particularly enjoyed the hike through to the waterfall and the opportunity to jump in/swim. Whale watching (whilst an add on to the walking holiday), was brilliant and good fun as a group activity).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was a great group leader, in that he really cared about everyone having a brilliant holiday. He did this by flexing/amending plans (which based on the scope of the group, I imagine wasn't easy at times.) He also shared his time with us all very generously, ensuring that we made the most of our time in each island, sharing tips on where to go etc. He also took time to share his love of music and play his hand drum, giving us the chance to get to know him. Lastly, he helped those of us that were struggling, gave tips on how to improve and encouraged me to stop and enjoy the moment!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read through all the trip advice (including printing off the training plan/strength exercises), before commuting to the trip. It's easy to miss this and if followed would go a long way to being able to make the most of the trip, even for experienced hikers. Pack plenty of hiking clothes - it was very hot and sweaty!!

Malcolm Aldridge

Reviewed May 2023

Fabulous First Experience

From start to finish I was impressed with this trip. There is so much awful (non-existent) customer service around these days that it heart-warming to speak to real people who really cared and knew how to organise and make things happen to suit me. Only my flights gave me grief (BA was a cosmos away when it came to their customer service) and this was no fault of Exodus, who did everything that could reasonably be expected to resolve the issues. Well done Exodus and the guides. I will definitely be joining you again for some future breaks.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the most magical and memorable moment was lunch on the third day (I think) where I swam in the clear spring water pool before enjoying a delicious lunch organised by the guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, just excellent. So attentive, aware of the groups needs and a nice friendly guy all round. He and the other guide (bus driver, bag man, picnic maker) made a perfect team. They worked so well with each and for us; great professionals and much appreciated. My only suggestion is that they shouldn't worry so much, what they did was perfect, first class.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overpack! (okay, so that advice is aimed at me!)

Nick Wray

Reviewed May 2023

Great first intro to Exodus bike tour

Fabulous first Exodus holiday, cycling from Split to Dubrovnik, island hoping in Croatia

Most Inspirational Moment

Downhill coastal sections in glorious sun. Fun evening meals out with group

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really excellent. Indefatigable, fun, knowledgeable, confident leader and problem solver.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had unseasonably wet weather at the start, so change of clothes/footwear & lightweight cycling rain cape useful. Even so, packing light helps.

Carol and Paul Petela

Reviewed May 2023

Portugal’s Coast and Beaches

An excellent week walking down the south west coast of Portugal. The views were stunning, hotels were comfortable and food was amazing. A special mention for our guides Francisco and Ines who were friendly and knowledgeable, going above and beyond to ensure we all had a wonderful time. The walking is mostly straightforward, but there is some walking across soft sand dunes. Would thoroughly recommend this holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views, and seeing storks and peregrine falcons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Francisco and Ines were two of the best guides we’ve had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A microfibre towel is useful for drying off after a paddle or swim in the sea. Some people may find a pole useful for some of the rocky sections, although these were not too difficult, also for wading across the river (optional).

Donna S

Reviewed May 2023

This region is well worth a visit

A lovely area of Italy to visit, with good characterful hotels utilised for the trip, great food and great customer service experienced throughout. I was concerned, as it was my first walking holiday, that I may not be able to keep up with the group, but I was fine as the pace was good and we had breaks to rest and break up the walks, which weren’t too difficult and reasonably flat on most occasions.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed staying in and experiencing Alberobello with its trulli, unfortunately the weather wasn't great (wet), but a lovely interesting place to visit. Matera is another highlight of this trip with its cave dwellings, numerous places to visit and lovely walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Joana couldn't do enough for the group, she researched train times for the 'free day' for everyone, even though we were all going to different locations. She was well organised and did her utmost to help if we had any questions. The ruck sack she carried on the walks was huge, what with carrying bottles of wine and snacks for everyone. A knowledgeable and interesting person to have as our leader on this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes for the evenings and waterproofs just in case, boots may not be needed just good walking shoes. However if the weather is wet, the pavements become slippy so a good grip sole is needed. Unfortunately the weather was very changeable during the stay, so the waterproofs and warmer clothes were needed. Visit Polignano a Mare and Monopoli on your free day, both are pretty little seaside places and easily reachable on the train from Ostuni. Great gelato also, always tastes better by the sea.

Kathryn Berenson

Reviewed May 2023

Great Fun, Big challenge

A stunningly gorgeous area and stimulating challenge in enjoyable company. Our group of seven was just the right size. The walks wound through villages with interesting sites, lovely woods and expansive vineyards, with some major ascents.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views, the views, the views!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mathea was gracious, charming, helpful and obviously loved the area. He did tend to led us a tad too quickly for us to really savor the beauty of the wooded paths.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ah, well. Make sure you are ready for the major ascents of 400 meters! While the trip description is "easy" and "leisurely" those ascents are significant. Poles, good boots and layered clothing are essential.

Robert Pratt

Reviewed May 2023

Super Trip

We had pretty bad weather but apart from a few minutes we managed to avoid the rain – until Cagliari. The trip was superb, mainly because of the leader Giovanni and driver Antonio, though our group (11 in total) could not have got on better – a superb bunch of folks. The cycling was spectacular on days 2,3 and 6 with mountain roads and spectacular views. We also managed to swim twice and enjoy lunch on 3 beach restaurants. Giovanni and Antonio really looked after us, having to revert to plan B or C due to the cold and dull weather. The highlight for me was Carloforte – beautiful place. The worst thing was the flight times from the UK, meaning we arrived late at our first hotel and on our return home. Overall – brilliant week, would highly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coast road on day 6 with beautiful beaches - oh and Carloforte

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Had a lot to contend with due to the strange weather. Was very good on safety for us all - could not have done more

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it and enjoy the culture, food, wine and terrain. Super trip for wild swimmers and those appreciative of the Island’s history

chris mackie

Reviewed May 2023

Pack light!

my first cycling holiday and i loved it. so simple – get up, eat breakfast, hand over your room key and suitcase, cycle until you get handed a coffee and then lunch, then cycle until you are handed a room key and your luggage. eat dinner, drink wine, sleep and repeat. albania has some stunning scenery and the route was a good mix of challenging and easier.

Most Inspirational Moment

the climb on the last day - the sections before the main climb are brutal, but once you are at the top it is all worth it. proper type 2 fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

pack light as you will have to repack every morning, so the less you have the easier it is. Plus, you won't have to lift a heavy suitcase to the van!

Brian Quinn

Reviewed May 2023

Borneo bonanza

This trip exceeded expectations in terms of the variety of wildlife spotted and the competences of the group leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up close with Orangutans and Proboscis monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeffry Ismail was superb. Extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and never stuck for an answer about any aspects of the trip. He was sensitive to individuals' needs, very competent in organisational skills, always smiling and relaxed and with a great sense of humour. He was as excited at wildlife spotting as any member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for leeches - they are almost bound to get past any defences.

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