Most Inspirational Moment
Walks in countryside.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good, helpful, knowledgeable and created good atmosphere.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Camino de Santiago Trek
Very good.
Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims
From start to finish, the trip was organised very well by our friendly expert guide Javier Ramirez. Each day, we’d have a short briefing where he explained what the terrain would be like, what stops we were making and notable highlights you’d encounter on the walk. He also kept us right when it came to collecting our pilgrim stamps en route – as you need a certain amount to receive your pilgrim certificate at the end in Santiago. Every stage in the route was enchanting, we’d make pitstops at rustic farmhouses for traditional Galician homemade fare and fluffy Santiago cake – the perfect treat after a couple of hours walking. We also got the opportunity to taste the famous Galician tapas including fresh octopus and scallops with caramelised onions – they were especially delicious. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, walking through sleepy villages, hushed oak forests and past babbling brooks. Even though this region is famous for its rain – it didn’t rain on us once, so I’d recommend booking to go in May! It was wonderful to see this part of Spain and walk sections of one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Although I’m not religious, it was a really moving experience, especially seeing the Botafumeiro swinging at the Pilgrim Mass in Santiago’s famous cathedral. I’d love to go back and do a different route with Exodus in the future. Thank you, Javier, for being such a wonderful guide, and for showing us Modus Vivendi, the oldest bar in Galicia!
Most Inspirational Moment
The pilgrim mass in the Cathedral de Compostela on the evening we arrived was particularly spectacular. We saw the Botafumeiro swinging, which is apparently a very rare and special occurrence. Everyone was completely silent and absorbed in the moment, couples were hugging each other and pilgrims were smiling at one another, it was a very moving moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Javier couldn't have done more for the group. He translated menus, gave us day-by-bay breakdowns of what the terrain would be like, recommended places to visit in Santiago, and even took us to one of the oldest bars in Galicia, Modus Vivendi, for a drink after the trek was over! His enthusiasm and upbeat demeanor really helped those who were struggling during the trip, so everyone made it to the finishing line.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take it slow, it's not a race and don't forget to stop in the beautiful churches along the way. Look out for farm life too, like little goats and cows, chat to the locals as these are the moments of the trip you'll remember.
Fabulous Trek
I enjoyed a fabulous trek doing the Camino de Santiago in September. Our leader Aitor was excellent and very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient guide. We were fortunate also in enjoying great weather too. The scenery and villages along the way were beautiful. To anyone thinking of doing this trek I would say go ahead! The camardarie from other pilgrims/trekkers along the way was an absolute inspiration too.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the square in Santiago, the Cathedral is awe inspiring and the mass very moving. I also enjoyed the many cafes and rest stops along the way where there was always a great welcome and tempting treats.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was very approachable, nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the route and great fun to walk with. I can't recommend him highly enough, he is a real credit to your organisation.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of photos and blister plasters!!
Suggestions
All the accommodation we stayed in along the route was very comfortable and clean.
Camino de Santiago Trek
Such a good trek. Wonderful scenery in a beautiful area of Spain, walking at a good pace to the finish line at Santiago cathedral.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing all the different people along the way and then making it all the way to Santiago cathedral finally.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Aitor was so good, keeping an eye on everyone in the group, making sure we were all ok from the slowest to the fastest. Nothing was too much trouble. His knowledge of the history and area was spot on. Absolutely faultless.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go prepared. It is not the most challenging of walks but it is a walk of distance over back to back days, you need to be up for that physically and psychologically.
Suggestions
An amazing walk to do, meeting great people along the way and in a beautiful area. Do it, you won't be disappointed.
Amazing Trek
A GREAT experience, amazing scenery and good group size. The standard of the hotels varied a bit in style, breakfasts and facilities, but most were fine, clean and comfortable. The Group Leader was very informative throughout and adapted well to my deafness supporting me and making sure I was aware of all instructions e.g., setting off times etc. The Group Leader also found some good places for the stops each day and some lunches and evening meals were lovely. The weather was good which was a bonus for us all! The pace some days was tough with steep inclines and descends, so I walked with sticks which were a great help. I would suggest that training is essential for this trek and a pair of worn in footwear. The only downside was Air Europa the airline for the 4 flights. They lost my case on the way home and then when it arrived 2 days later it was damaged. They also did not honour the prebooked and paid for seats on the aeroplane.
Most Inspirational Moment
Going to the Finistère on our free day "The end of the World!!" It felt like a good way to end a wonderful adventure....
Thoughts on Group Leader
The Group Leader was patient and informative. Nothing was too much trouble and he made sure I was awake every day as there were no telephones in the rooms for a morning call and being deaf, I did not hear my mobile alarm. He worked hard to make me feel included in the group and was very supportive to anyone in the group that needed it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't pack too much! Do your training beforehand. Wear in your footwear. Have a decent backpack that fits well. Be prepared for all weathers. Take a hat and sunscreen and drink plenty of water each day.
Suggestions
I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to the Group Leader and Exodus for this WONDERFUL adventure that tested me mentally and physically. I will treasure the memory .....
Camiño Santiago
What an unexpected and adventure to wander along the Camiño in Northwest Spain through beautiful verdant countryside. Incredibly green and glorious oak and eucalyptus woodland. Gorgeous routes through small farms with cafes and restaurants for frequent rests and marvelous conversations with people from all over the world. A totally uplifting experience. Time at the end of journey to visit the coastline and to explore Santiago. Wonderful food and both a physical challenge and restful too.
Most Inspirational Moment
To walk out in the morning with bird song, and mists till the sun broke through.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alfonso gave attention to all of us. Personal and physical support. A really kind and helpful man who loves his job.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Change your footwear and socks frequently. Don’t worry if you walk slowly. Take your time. You will make it.
Camino - Samos to Santiago
A great experience, walking the last 100 km of the Camino Frances. Great scenery, good basic hotels with friendly staff and lovely authentic food.
You can’t beat a three course ‘menu del dia’ with bread and wine or water for only 10 euro.
I walked with a group of 16 and we really enjoyed each others company. It rained for two of the six days but that didn’t affect the mood. Longest days walk was 18 miles but with coffee and lunch stops it didn’t seem that far.
Last two nights in Santiago allowed us to unwind and really enjoy the old city
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving in Santiago with the rest of the group and standing in the square in front of the cathedral, congratulating each other on our achievement. Meeting up again with other pilgrims we had met on the trail, some of them had done the whole walk from St Jean in France. Lighting a candle in the cathedral and quietly reflecting on the trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alvaro was an excellent group leader. His daily briefings after breakfast told us what to expect that day and where the best coffee and lunch stops were. He was very knowledgeable about the history and architecture on the route, and made sure everybody enjoyed the experience to the full. He was always positive and professional and ready to help with advice and information. He also has a wicked sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't wear heavy walking boots, good walking shoes are more suitable. Invest in some good walking socks. The route is undulating not steep on minor roads and tracks and is easy walking if you are reasonably fit. I am 70 and had no problems at all with the walking or my feet.
Suggestions
Very impressed with the logistics of the whole trip. Airport transfers, hotels and daily luggage transfer were very well organised by Exodus and the whole trip went smoothly allowing all of us to enjoy the walking and scenery. Would recommend Exodus to anybody wanting to experience the Camino. I have really caught the Camino bug now and am planning to do the whole 500 miles of the Camino Frances next year.
Yes I can!
We walked the final 127 kms of the Camino from Samos to Santiago de Compostela.
Most Inspirational Moment
Day four was our longest walk and I had doubts about my ability to complete it. Despite torrential rain I walked all 33 kms. Fellow walkers kept me going.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alvaro was brilliant! He made a little sketch of each day's route. We photographed it and I found it very helpful. He was there for those who needed more support and always good fun. His advice on blister-free walking was invaluable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Slather your feet in vaseline. Enjoy the sights.
Feedback
This was a super experience altogether, from start to finish, with Exodus having thought of everything. The hotels were great, the arrangements brilliant, the guide, Jose, was amazing, thoughtful, supportive, hardworking, well organised: he made it possible for the team (we 13) to be able to concentrate on the task in hand: getting to Compostela on foot. A great bonus, too, was the way we 13 strangers got on together and helped each other. We spent such a lot of time together in a shared endeavour and it was such a great success, that we are planning to meet again in 2019.
Most Inspirational Moment
This was when we (all 13 of us only one Catholic among us) went together to the Pigrims' Mass in the Cathedral at Compostela, when the Botafumeiro swung into action and, at the same time, the cathedral organ crashed magnificently into music. We had really arrived and the pain was worth it!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant, fantastic, see above Summary question: 10 out of 10.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do this holiday/trek - it's great. Highly recommended.
Suggestions
A mention here of your staff Alice and Paula at your HQ. When I got a knee injury immediately before the start of the journey and was distraught and fearing that I would have to cancel, they were sympathetic and kind, while, at the same time, explaining clearly my options. I'm so glad that with the help of my GP and supportive friends here at home, it was poss to go and qualify for my Compostela at the end. Many thanks, Clare
Wonderful trip
Thank you to Exodus and Cumbres for making my Camino such a wonderful experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were quite a few moments of gentle chats and encouragement which will stay with me and the genuine sharing of the elation and excitement when arriving at the Cathedral.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were extremely lucky having Alberto as our guide. He is a great leader and excellent co-ordinator. He was always pleased to share his extensive knowledge of the beautiful Galician region, its culture and history. His happy disposition and gentle sense of humour were extra bonuses.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read and take onboard all your trip notes beforehand, try and follow your exercise plan in preparation. Then ... enjoy...
Suggestions
I would certainly like to use Exodus again.