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’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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142 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Adrienne Harber

Reviewed May 2017

TDS - Walking in Andalucía

This trip was wonderful; I recommend it with two thumbs – or 10 fingers – up! It was a blend of 5 days of hiking and 1 day of playing tourist in Seville, a perfect mix of experiencing Andalusia for the first time. The hotel was lovely and relaxed, occupied only by our group; the food was delicious! (we had a paella lesson on the last night with Alexis translating the chef’s instructions); the hiking was varied and featured beautiful vistas; all of us got along well – really, a 5-star vacation.

Most Inspirational Moment

The event that I will never forget involved Alexis' readiness to defend us hikers from a charging bull. While walking through an open area with cattle, one of the bulls feinted a charge. Alexis, who was closest to it, took off his pack and was ready to do battle if the bull continued his charge - I was impressed and felt that Alexis should add that skill to his resume! The bull must have been intimidated by Alexis because it stopped its aggression, and we continued walking by without further incident.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was a large part of why the trip was so enjoyable. He spoke Spanish, English, and French fluently; knew history of the local area; had a fun and relaxed attitude; answered our innumerable questions without complaint; and came up with alternate plans when necessary. Please note the bull-fighting skill above as well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be flexible. The first days of our stay were warm and good hiking weather, but the last 2 days had 30mph winds, necessitating a change in our last 2 scheduled hikes. While it was disappointing not to hike the Caminito del Rey in the gorge, it was closed not by our guide but by the park administration. Fortunately, Alexis came up with alternate plans for the last 2 hikes that introduced us to interesting areas that we all enjoyed. I respected the change in plans, as it demonstrated that Exodus Travel considered its clients' safety first and foremost.

Jane Hand

Reviewed April 2017

Walking in Andalusia

A weeks centre based walking, not too strenuous , a free day in Seville – a lovely city if you like cities, wonderful flowers, lots of surprises. A great break

Most Inspirational Moment

Finding beautiful orchids, not having to cook or think about anything for a whole week!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tina was an excellent leader, full of information and surprises

Advice for Potential Travellers

Worth taking binoculars for the bird life

Dave Thomas

Reviewed November 2016

Walking in Andalucia

It was a very enjoyable week: good walking through beautiful – sometimes spectacular – countryside. Sevilla is a fascinating city, and the flamenco was fabulous. The Cortijo makes a very good base: great cooking, beautiful views, and a very welcome pool after a hot day!

Most Inspirational Moment

The wonderful day at the Caminito del Rey: a truly spectacular walk.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was the perfect guide: very knowledgeable about the local environment, really well organised, and considerate. He's also a very funny, entertaining guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Maybe take some insect repellant – I escaped their attentions, but others weren't so lucky.

Sean Quigley

Reviewed October 2016

Great Vacation

My wife and I have traveled 6 times to Europe from the US and this was one of the most relaxing vacation we have ever taken. The tour was well planned and coordinated.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day trip to Seville and the Flamenco show scheduled with the assistance of the tour leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable about the area and very informative. His customer services skills are the best. Alexis made the entire group feel welcome and facilitated interaction between all the group members.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack good hiking shoes or boots.

Lois Baldwin

Reviewed October 2016

Walking in Andalucía

This was a really wonderful trip. I enjoyed the diversity of walks/hikes from climbing mountains and walking in olive groves and farmer’s fields to the interesting “boardwalk” in the El Chorro Gorge. The day in Seville was a great break in a week of more challenging physical demands. The farmhouse with it’s swimming pool, fabulous views, excellent staff and friendly dogs was a wonderful place to be stationed for the week.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm not sure there was just one inspirational moment - the hikes and views from Sierra de Grazalema, El Chorro Gorge and the Penon Crag were all spectacular and special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was an energetic, enthusiastic, fun, and funny guide! He was very knowledgeable about the area, the trails and the cuisine. If he didn't know an answer, he said that he would find out - and he did. He had as much fun learning from us as we did from him. He is definitely an asset to Exodus Travels!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the trip is advertised as "walks", they are really hikes, some of which are quite challenging because of the steepness of the inclines. The shower in our room was on a slant which made it somewhat nerve racking because of a fear of slipping and falling. A number of us, including me, also got bedbugs which was very distressing!!

Stella Abensur

Reviewed September 2016

Glad I Went

Everything about this trip went absolutely perfectly and we couldn’t be more pleased with the accommodations, food, hiking, service and organization.
If every Exodus tour is as good as this one then we longer will search for any other hiking vacation options.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hiking routes used during this tour were appropriately labelled as number 2 but that didn't mean they weren't beautiful and a little challenging. Following mostly well established hiking trails, we covered everything from local roads to flat cross country trails to cross mountain trails. The scenery was stunning, the air was pure and the experience amazing. We enjoyed every second of it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Alexi, was everything you could ask for in a group leader. Experienced and highly qualified he was able to address any situation and made sure everyone was accommodated. Exodus take note: do not let this one get away!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only advice for potential travellers is to go on this tour!

Alastair Bull

Reviewed September 2016

TDS - Walking in Andalucia

An exciting holiday with amazing views on the surrounding area and also on the different walks as well. Our group leader was nice, friendly and a pleasure to be with. The other guests I was with also very friendly and nice to be with as well. Would recommend to anyone as a sole traveller who enjoys leisurely walking as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

I would say the amazing views on the walk from visiting different villages to the El Chorro gorge and also spending time with the group leader and the other guests as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Alexis Gonstaw) - a very nice and friendly individual who was a pleasure to be on holiday with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring plenty of sunblock and also things like cream/tablets for bites and heat rashes. I would also bring a money travel bag to take so that you have a secure place to put your money. Any unessential items I would put in your main luggage

Maria Ramos

Reviewed July 2016

Walking, hiking, climbing, scrambling, enjoying!

I’d like to set the tone by saying that everything about this holiday was perfect! This was my first ever walking holiday so I chose the leisurely to moderate category. In hindsight the description is probably accurate, but some of the treks took me by surprise as there were some truly steep and rocky hills to climb. Perhaps I wasn’t quite enough prepared for those but managed to complete them all. Clearly the recommended pre-holiday fitness training is very important. The ‘leisurely’ bit comes in in the fact that we were able to have frequent breaks for shade and water in the temperatures of 35+. Each day was challenging in its own way and at the end of the day you felt a real sense of achievement. There were some breathtaking mountainous sceneries and clear pure air to chase out any London pollution!

Most Inspirational Moment

The optional extra, el Caminito del Rey, was thrilling! The photos look incredibly frightening, but the whole route has been renovated and made completely safe. There is a plank pathway all the way and some steep steps with quite narrow treads, But there are places where you can sit and rest and admire the magnificent scenery. Vertigo sufferers would be advised to go with a friend as the depth of the gorge may feel overwhelming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The lovely Alejandro was everyone's sweetheart! We were a small group of seven walkers and he instantly made friends with everyone and had a clever sense of humour. He was highly knowledgeable and took notice of each of our ability and set the pace accordingly. Very soon we developed into a close friendly group where we all cared for each other. Some were faster and fitter than others, but the schedule allowed for those variances. What especially impressed me was that when anyone asked a question, Alejandro would say, I'll show you or I'll tell you when we get to such and such point. And he always remembered to do it, without a fail.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unless you are an experienced walker, do please take seriously the programme to build up your stamina and fitness in advance of the holiday. Walking on city streets or level ground is not enough preparation. You should find steep hilly grounds and stretch and strengthen every possible leg muscle you can think of. This will make your experience so much more enjoyable. Also, on this particular holiday, whilst the accommodation is lovely and homely and comes with spectacular views - and with delicious meals - it isn't luxury, so go with an open mind and be prepared to compromise.

Richard Hope

Reviewed July 2016

Another great Exodus holiday

Spectacular scenery, great company and an inspiring guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Camenito del rey which was spectacularly beautiful and thrilling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We are really lucky as this is the third Exodus holiday we have been on, they have all been great, and we have had Alejandro as guide for 2 of those, he is amazing, all the women in the group were in love with him instantly and by the end of the week, all the men loved him too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy it, bring walking poles.

Malcolm and Jean Edwards

Reviewed May 2016

TDS160514

A very enjoyable and varied week of walking the hills, mountains and an incredible gorge. Led by Tina, a very enthusiastic and caring leader who knew when to encourage and when to take a break. Lots of visits to tavernas for a well earned refreshment/tapas. Cortiga Rosario was well run and the food was great and catered brilliantly for special diets, in my case gluten free. The location had a peaceful ambience. When not walking just chill out by the pool overlooking the rolling hills with ranks of olive trees from horizon to horizon. The visit to Seville made a very long day which did no more for me than Malaga which also has a great Moorish citadel and the remains of a Roman theatre. Very likely to go with Exodus again if I can find another one centred hotel.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Caminito del Rey walk

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tina was great, good sense of humour. Looked after all our needs and catered for a range of abilities Very friendly with all the local people and the excellent staff at the cortigo.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take range of clothes as it can be hot during the day and cooler in the evening. Walking poles can be useful on some walks. The Caminito walk is perfectly safe and is wide enough if you suffer from vertigo.

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