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.

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14246 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Mike Britton

Reviewed August 2023

Wonderful holiday : Spitsbergen Photography - Under the Midnight Sun

We had been looking for an Arctic or Antarctic holiday for a while, so when this Exodus deal came up, we jumped at the chance. Our hope was to see polar bears and arctic foxes, but we know that the animals are wild and unpredictable, so tried to set our expectations realistically. The trip was well planned and organised; we had time on arrival at the Helsinki airport hotel on Day 1 to get the train into the city for a half-day exploration. The next day we flew to Spitsbergen and then onto the boat. We were very pleasantly surprised by our cabin – much bigger than we had expected. The staff on board were excellent – both the Expedition team and the crew, the catering was wonderful and it was perfect having soft drinks available all day, with wine & beer served with dinner. Our wildlife expectations were more than met, sighting 2 different whale species on our first evening sailing from Longyearbyen! The highlights continued via the daily Zodiac trips and hiking onshore : reindeer, arctic foxes, walrus, whales, many seabirds and flowers – and of course, we saw polar bears. We know how lucky we were, but we saw 6 bears in 3 different locations, The Expedition team were all very knowledgeable about both flora and fauna and were happy to share information. But we should also stress that they were very safety-conscious and ensured all the guests were able to do the activities safely. We had such a good time, that we didn’t want to leave the ship to come home!

Most Inspirational Moment

Being woken at 0415 one morning with the announcement that a polar bear was on the ice sheets approaching the ship. We all rushed on deck and watched the bear approach so close to the ship, looking curiously at the yellw parka-clad tourists gazing down. The bear was alongside for many minutes, allowing us all to appreciate her beauty. Despite the fatigue later that day, the early morning call was really appreciated.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There was no Exodus rep on the ship; the Expedition Leader was Ryan from Quark. He, the Captain and the Expedition team worked hard together to ensure that all the guests on board had the best opportunites to see different animals, birds and scenery. At one point we were the furthest east of all ships in the archipeligo and at another time, the furthest north - we really did feel like Explorers! Ryan managed the Expedition Team well, so that everyone contributed and we had the benefit of their combined knowledge, whilst interacting with different members of the Team on the Zodiacs, the hikes and the special paddling/kayaking activities. Ryan was an excellent and effective Expedition Leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for early mornings if animals are seen as their sighting is shared over the ship's tannoy. Ensure you have waterproof trousers and a waterproof day pack for getting in & out of the Zodiacs. Layers are essential for staying warm, not not too hot!

Hayley Mooney

Reviewed August 2023

Fantastic Baltics

This was a fantastic trip! Each of the countries are unique and there is something to love about all of them. The trip itinerary is really well planned, and there is so much free time in the capitals that you can really feel comfortable just wandering around. I was lucky to be in a group with a really lovely and enthusiastic bunch of people, as well as all the memories, I even came home with a newfound enjoyment of castles.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many. Vilnius nightlife is intense. The former nuclear missile site was fascinating. The Curonian Spit is beautiful. Jurmala real estate makes me want to win the lottery. The Riga medical museum is a must for healthcare geeks like me, although the two-headed dog is something that sticks with you. My favourite stop on the trip was Kaunas, and to be honest I can’t even explain why, it’s just a charming little city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius was brilliant. He is so laid back but still managed to run a tight-ship. He was really open and honest about his experiences growing up during Soviet times, and how things changed as Lithuania became independent. Andrius also has a fantastic sense of humour and quick wit, and a lot of the time it felt like we were just hanging out with him. The local guides were all great as well, and the two drivers were both really good and I felt safe at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A lot of museums are closed on Mondays, so if you’re going to be in one of the capitals on a weekend into Monday it’s worth doing some research to prioritise what you want to visit. Unless you’re really into cabbage vegetarians might struggle. Don’t forget your insect repellent for the national parks, and invest in a good pac-a-Mac.

Anna Brandin

Reviewed August 2023

Wonderful trip all around

The camping trek around Mont Blanc was great fun. Perfect combination of challenge, reward, and just a fun group of people to be with. Our guide, Mike, kept us on track on the trail with very convenient breaks at refuges and summits keeping a steady pace that all could manage while not micromanging the group. Kieron kept our camp put together in almost always changing locations and created lovely meals. The sites were all well chosen and almost all had some sort of shade/rain cover which was lovely.

Most Inspirational Moment

The quiet moments on the summits just enjoying this beautiful part of the world were my favorite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mike and Kieron made a great team and worked well together.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will enjoy this trip much more if you are in good shape before the trip. Your knees with thank you for bringing and using hiking poles as pretty much each day is up to a col or summit for lunch and then down to a valley to camp. Doing this trip over 14 days allowed for a relaxed pace with several rest days added in. If your group hikes relatively fast you will have plenty of time at camp to explore the towns, play games with your fellow guests, or just hang out and read a book. If you need something to do all the time you may want to pick one of the more compressed trip styles-- which would mean covering more ground each day with less down time in camp.

Keith Ginnaw

Reviewed August 2023

Silk Road July 2023

A really good experience to three very different countries. The scenery in Kyrgyzstan on the hikes was outstanding. Comfortable for reasonably fit people although altitude will take your breath on occasions. Golden Eagle hunting experience was one of highlights of the trip. Only a brief time in Kazakhstan although Charon Canyon was outstanding. The Registan in Samarkand and other monuments throughout Uzbekistan were absolutely stunning. Both our guides Vitaliy and Dilshod were incredibly knowledgeable and did everything to ensure everyone had a good trip . The weather was challenging at this theme of year with temperatures often reaching 40 degrees but with ‘siestas’ built in where appropriate it was still manageable for sightseeing. Food quality for me was a pleasant surprise and excellent throughout. ATMs readily available in big cities as is money exchange. Credit cards also taken in many places. Overall a very good trip and highly recommended.

James Chamberlain

Reviewed August 2023

Great first exodus experience

This was my first experience using Exodus and I’m sure it won’t be my last. I had. A great time with a really wonderful group of people. Our guide, Andrius, was great with lots of great local knowledge and facts he was able to share.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the day on the Curonian Spit

Diane Millar

Reviewed August 2023

TMB HOTEL TRIP

A great challenge with a wonderful guide, Hristian

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent, knowledgeable, efficient, funny and kind

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the challenge!

Matthew Tett

Reviewed August 2023

A superb week in three countries

This is a great trip hiking through three countries and experiencing the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We had a great guide – Augustine – who led us safely through all the hikes. We had variable weather – but this was fine. However, come prepared for all weathers, even in the height of summer. The walking is quite challenging and the fitter you are, the more the walks will be enjoyed. Make sure you come with spending money – and Swiss francs are useful for the first couple of days in Switzerland, even though the trip notes say euros are fine (you’ll get a better deal with francs). Switzerland is, obviously, more expensive than Italy and France. Self-catering for packed lunches is quite easy, with local shops etc. If you buy packed lunches, they are over-priced, although generally very good. Included breakfasts and dinners are, overall, excellent. Accommodation – very comfortable and fit for purpose. The hotel in Forclaz, on day one, is the least impressive. Some trip notes details are not as accurate as they could be. This is a superb walking trip through a beautiful area of Europe. It is well worth the expense.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in stunning locations and feeling humbled - too many to mention!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - Augustine clearly loves his job and this was obvious from day 1 to departure day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sufficient spending money in euros and some francs, too. Make sure you have enough warm clothes, as well as waterproofs. I recommend a pair of slippers/sandals in your day pack for evening wear. Make sure your walking boots/shoes are supportive and very comfortable. And - enjoy it!

Julia Larsson

Reviewed August 2023

Fascinating Baltics

An excellent, busy trip with sufficient free time to explore on our own and lots of variety between cities and countryside/seaside. I finally made it as I had booked this trip when Covid intervened and it had to be cancelled. I am so glad that I was now able to go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to select just one. Tallin was my favourite city, the Art Nouveau district and museum in Riga, the Occupation Museum in Riga was a real 'eye opener' and the Hill of Crosses was amazing and moving. Also being able to go to the Lahemaa National Park, the Curonian Spit and Jurmala for the architecture. As I said before, good variety in this trip between cities and countryside/seaside.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andrius Mazrimas was excellent. Well organised, friendly, helpful and with a good sense of humour. He told us a lot about growing up under Soviet rule which was a fascinating insight. He always had suggestions for possible restaurants, helpful for me as I am a vegetarian. I had some great meals and some that were not!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you put on LOTS of insect repellant in the Lahemaa National Park. If you are vegetarian take some snacks for 'emergencies'.

Mark Gilbert

Reviewed July 2023

Fantastic

A trip walking in the Bosnian mountains, climbing mount maglic. Should call it magic as the scenery was absolutely stunning. Food was good, try the Bosnian pie!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Maglic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kenan and Sead were a suite stats. Kind funny and caring. Not only did they guide us but was so informative and passionate about their country. Two of the best guides I’ve had and I’ve been on quite a few treks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy!

Bill M

Reviewed July 2023

Hosts with the most

After a week of trekking and having arrived home…the gear cleaned and aired out, and laundry done it’s a pleasure to take a pause and take a moment to celebrate a wonderful trek, with amazing like-minded people who love the outdoors. Gratitude to the Exodus Travels team for making it memorable. Acknowledgment to our guide Fred who is a total pro and our Chalet Chocolat hosts Sol and Tomas for their warmth, thoughtfulness and efforts in taking care of us. A host is defined as someone as accommodating, impressive and engaging and my experience this was true of all 3!

Most Inspirational Moment

Our new friend Sarah-Jane boldly declaring ‘I am strong’. 💪Then demonstrating it with her actions in consistent hiking and parasailing for the first time. Also, the hike along the Bonatti refuge in Italy was one of the most memorable views of a lifetime. The additional reward of tasty gelato in Courmayeur with new friends was a special treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Professional, encouraging, sincere, reliable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the reviews on chalet accommodations in advance…know before you go. The chalet is solid. Being proximate to Chaminox was a plus. Hot tub, nice add. I’ve made many backpacking treks and stayed in tents mostly. I wanted here to do a level up from that and overall was pleased. I’d had the awareness that it could feel cramped for some and while I’ve never lived in a house with 13 people I could fully see how that overall experience not being for everyone. Do the research and if not for you choose another option.

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