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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14294 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

kim simkins

Reviewed September 2022

Lovely part of Italy

A busy itinerary exploring a beautiful part of Southern Italy. Some stunning hillside cities with classic narrow streets and cafe culture. Lots of excellent food and local wine throughout. Whilst not strenuous in itself, it was a pretty full on itinerary, with heat, lots of steps and extensive exploring on foot, with uneven pavements/cobbles and walking terrain. Not as leisurely as the trip notes might make you believe, and not really suitable for those with limited mobility or fitness. Some parts are very busy and touristy, but easy to wander the back streets to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Italian culture. A mix of city, rural areas and seaside to give a taste of the whole area.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the views over the city from the terrace in Matera, and listening to the bells of all the churches ringing out on a Sunday afternoon. Walking into the white city of Ostuni was stunning, taking in an Aperol Spritz at an outside cafe by the cathedral whilst watching the world go by, and then seeing the sun go down along the city walls! Walking alongside the azure blue Adriatic sea in Otranto

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andraea was a very enthusiastic and hardworking leader. He sometimes struggled to understand the question he was being asked and so it was not always easy to get a straight answer. The group were not easy for him to deal with, and under the circumstances he did an adequate job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Forget the map, just wander through the narrow streets away from the main centres and explore the real Italy! Enjoy the cafe culture and people watch over an aperitif in a central square! Indulge yourself with the local cuisine. Sample the amazing gelato and granita, such an amazing variety of flavours. Don't do this trip if you are not very fit or mobile, it has a huge amount of walking on cobbles and up and down steps, and the busy schedule means you would not maximise the value of the places visited.

Mark Snell

Reviewed September 2022

Beautiful country

Had a lovely trip with a very friendly and welcoming group. Our tour guide was lovely and made some great restaurant bookings for us including one meal right on the beach with the waves crashing! The sea kayaking was the highlight for me, lovely to be out on the water , though it is surprisingly hard work! The hotel Artemis we stayed at was very nice , clean modern rooms, lovely breakfast with amazing views, though getting a drink from the hotel bar was challenging at times!! My only criticism is the walks, they were much harder than leisurely/moderate , some of the walks on the itinerary had to be changed as paths were closed which is fine and unavoidable but the replacements were often on steep scree slopes and involved clambering over large rocks at times , some of the group found this v challenging especially with the heat! If these walks are to be kept then this trip needs to be upgraded in difficulty so people are aware what they will be facing. Turkey is beautiful though and thoroughly enjoyed my time here 🙂

Most Inspirational Moment

See above - sea kayaking

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very lovely and always helpful , walks were more challenging than expected though so the routes may need to be reconsidered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above - the walks are more difficult than anticipated.

Lisa Velasco

Reviewed September 2022

Wonderful Hiking BUT

Let me just start this review by saying that I have been on over 25 guided trips in the last 22 years so I have experience with tour groups. It never crossed my mind when booking this trip that I would have a poor guide. I have been fortunate that my experiences have always been exceptional. The good: the hiking was fabulous, different challenges, variety of scenery each day. By luck we had a fantastic group of 12 from all over the world. The bad: our guide, luggage transfer and lunches. The guide started off the trip by being very unwelcoming on Day 1. He then proceeded to share way too much about his personal life and how he was so tired each day due to lack of sleep. The first several days of the trip, he didn’t even do any type of route review or what we were to expect for that day’s hike. Thankfully we were a cohesive group (mostly because 9 out of 12 of us came down with a gastric bug on Day 3 of the trip) so we always waited up for the slowest person of the group. Due to us only having one uninterested guide, we had to lookout for that person. One day the group got about a quarter mile down the trail only to find the guide missing. When someone went back to look for him, he was found at the trailhead “chatting up” a woman that was waiting for the bus. The list of complaints can go on. A few days into the trip, three people didn’t get their luggage for 24 hours. The guide suggested that they “borrow” clothes from others on the trip. Luckily, a staff member at the hotel took them into town so they could purchase clothes for that night and the next day (the next day was a free day and there were plans to go to the spa). Nothing worse than coming off the trail and not being able to change into clean clothes. We made our lunches each morning with supplies that the guide set out. Typically the last two people to make theirs ended up with just bread and cheese since everything else had run out. There just wasn’t enough supplies purchased. Also, the meat and cheese sandwiches got a bit boring after a week. Fortunately, after some complaints he did add fruit and some vegetable toppings. Eventually we also got some chocolate at the end. Based on the amount of money that was spent on this trip, I expected much more from the guide. I emailed the company about 5 days into the trip to express my dissatisfaction with the services provided. I am sure that there will be more letters from others that I traveled with. I would suggest looking for another tour group to do this trek with. I certainly encountered many more enthusiastic guides on the trail from different companies.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery and views also making new friends

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would look to book with another tour company.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Lisa for taking the time to leave a review, but are incredibly sorry to hear that she was disappointed with the tour leader assigned to her departure. We have a fantastic team of leaders for Exodus groups travelling to Mont Blanc, and can see that from the feedback we have received in 2023 that our customers travelling this year have rated them an average of 4.80 out of 5 on the Holiday Evaluation Forms we send to each client after a trip. We find this extremely encouraging, and it makes us confident that travellers choosing Exodus can expect to receive an excellent standard of tour leader who can elevate their time in this beautiful region.

However, we would like to apologise to Lisa that this was not her experience, and we recognise that the leader on her particular departure, who is usually consistently attentive, personable, and is an experience mountain guide, did not perform anywhere near our high standards on this occasion. We were in touch with Lisa and her fellow group members about this at the time and, having taken the matter extremely seriously, resolved this to their satisfaction following the trip. We also spoke at length to the tour leader in question, and our local manager has given him comprehensive advice and further training which we feel, in tandem with his previous high level of performances, will mean he is fully ready to lead future departures in line with our and our clients’ expectations.

We are glad that Lisa enjoyed the company of her Exodus group and the wonderful hikes and scenery in Mont Blanc, and sincerely hope we are able to welcome her back on another trip with us in the future which more reflects the positive experience our customers overwhelmingly have.

Danny Bell, Exodus Product Manager

Penny Welford

Reviewed September 2022

Great walks and interesting history

The trip was a good balance for me between excellent walking through stunning scenery and learning about the country’s history and visiting some historic sites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian was a great guide: very encouraging when walking, coped very well when problems arose (didn't let us know). Extensive local and national knowledge and a good sense of humour. Dorian also cared about our local well-being and needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember it can be hot and humid. Take lots of water I packed a light-weight hair dryer but didn't need it (either available or too hot!) Small head-torch is useful depending on your itinerary. I felt very safe even when on my own away from people.

Ruth Benedict

Reviewed September 2022

Fabulous and meaningful walking trip

Seeing the Lake District on foot is outstanding! We were well supplied with directions for getting around, and the lodging and other support arrangements were excellent. I highly recommend this trip for poetry and essay writers, for those who love the serenity of the English countryside, for those who love to hike. With our walking sticks (needed at times) and good hiking boots, we were well equipped for a special trip of a lifetime.

Most Inspirational Moment

Touring Dove Cottage at a leisurely pace (make time for this in your schedule, peeps) ... and the ferry ride on Coniston Water to Brantwood and a leisurely visit there, too. The landscape is enchanting: sheep, stone walls EVERYWHERE, the beauty of the landscape and the villages.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not applicable ... this was a self-guided trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for rain (although we were very fortunate and only had mist and one short shower) ... don't pack too much stuff. You really only need to be prepared for hiking. Do be sure to carve out time if the weather changes, etc. to visit the homes of William Wordsworth (Dove Cottage), John Ruskin (Brantwood) and Beatrix Potter (Hilltop Farm). You may find you don't have time to do these at a leisurely pace unless you skip a hike here or there, which worked out great for us on a day we decided we needed a rest.

Evelyn Alpert

Reviewed September 2022

Fantastic trip

This is my fifth or sixth Exodus trip and I cannot say enough about the trips and the staff. This particular trip was a little challenging due to my being accompanied by an 82 year old woman who just really wanted to go to Africa. As I’d been to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Madagascar before, we opted for this one, so I could see the falls! From start to finish it was fantastic. The 2 days wild camping on the okovango delta was so unique, and the falls were just breathtaking. We saw 4 of the big 5 (no leopard 😒) and so close we could almost reach out and touch them! And so few other travelers we almost had the animals to ourselves. But most importantly, the leader Adonia and the driver Sifiso were just exceptional. They constantly looked after my travel partner and made sure she was engaged in all our activities, and helped her when needed. They were just brilliant, caring, and solicitous to say nothing of incredibly knowledgeable, and made our long travel days fun and bearable. I can’t say enough good things about them both! Having said how wonderful the staff and trip are, here are my only comments: 1). I’d get a slightly bigger van. The travels are long and though the van is supposedly 16 passenger, with our 11 and the 2 guides, it felt tight. Those drives would be better with more room. 2). There are too many unstructured hours on the delta. I’d plan more activity for the full day on the delta. 3). The last place we stayed before Victoria falls could use an upgrade. It was a cool location but lacking in facilities 4). Tell folks to bring more $$. Explain that it’s needed for the activities in Vic Falls. That’s it. It’s a great trip, and if you can, arrange to go with Adonia and Sifiso if possible!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Milky Way on the delta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best ever! He’s a saint and a scholar.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See my review above.

Sarah Cullen

Reviewed September 2022

Brilliant Trip

I booked this trip for myself and my daughters (22 and 19). We all thoroughly enjoyed it, mostly due to the brilliant organisation of the entire trip. The food on the trek was simply amazing and a big treat at each stop, we were all simply amazed at how such delicious the meals were, created out of a tent on a camping stove which had been carried 30 miles and up and over 4,200 metres ! A great big thank you to the chef and sous-chef for your outstanding work ! Our tour guides, Edwind and Antony were fantastic. They were not only professional to the core, but really lovely to be with, they looked after each and every one of us in the group so well (there were 13) and we had such a nice time with them. The trek itself was spectacular. We found the second day going over the ‘dead woman’s pass’ really hard, but there was a great sense of achievement as whole team made it, and the next two days were much easier and the scenery sensational; of course the prize was seeing Machu Picchu at the end. Well done Edwind, Antony, Modesto, Valentin, Luis Huayta and each and every porter who looked after us. You were all simply amazing and we will never forget the memories you have given us. A huge thanks to all of you. I’d highly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Going through the Sun-Gate and seeing Machu Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was professional and nothing was too much trouble. He looked after us all extremely well from the moment we landed to the moment we left. Edwind is a credit to Exodus in every way.

Lucy & Han Wiggins & Bui-Van

Reviewed September 2022

Stunning Norway Hiking

Nes Gard Farm, what “a little gem” of a place to stay for the week. The team, food and wine pairing option was truly amazing at this special place which was also surrounded by incredible scenery. The evening hike briefings for the following day took place either in the charming wine cellar or wonderfully converted old cattle shed with a drink or two to start the evening off before our delicious three course meal was served up each evening including locally sourced ingredients where possible and the option for wine pairing with each course. Being September we were particularly lucky with the sunny warm blue skied weather with no rainfall all week. Each day we set off on a very different hike led by our fantastic guide Anders. No one day was the same and the scenery truly breathtaking. We got an wonderful appreciation for all Norway has to offer in terms of views and what an incredible first visit to this beautiful country we had and we we would love to come back to the country in the future.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip highlight for us was the glacier walk as we had not done one before, my partner only wished it was longer as it was such a fun experience to do. The photos on the Exodus website truly do not represent how stunning this country is with some extremely memorable hikes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Anders was a very good guide. He held an evening briefing every night before dinner. He used the briefing to get feedback about the hike of the day and if there were any problems. He then covered the details for the next hike,providing information about departure time, distance, terrain, weather and hike time length. The briefing allowed guests to ask questions and get sound advice on clothing, equipment and food/water to bring and on the last day offered an shorter route alternative during the hike for some of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We would recommend the glacier walk option in the itinerary if you have not done one before. There was a lot of boulders on some walks and so we would recommend bringing walking poles if you use them.

Sue Lawrence

Reviewed September 2022

Amalfi Coast

An absolutely amazing trip. The description of the trip was accurate and was better than expected.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many fabulous memories of Capri, Pompeii and the Walk of the Gods but Vesuvius has to be the number one highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable on local history and kept us at a pace to suit the whole group. Everything was well organised

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely book this trip. You won’t regret it. I travelled on my own but meet an amazing group of people that made the week very very special.

Jo Griffiths

Reviewed September 2022

A Full-On Adventure!

Definitely not a relaxing holiday, but if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a unique and fascinating culture, this may be the trip for you! It’s busy, you pack a lot in via a range of modes of transport. You cover a huge amount of miles (I loved the sleeper train!) but the rewards are great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really difficult to answer, but I really enjoyed the boat trip from the second homestay to Thung Nai, the scenery was beautiful. I also enjoyed the optional bike ride out of Hoi An, and the cookery class. I would definitely recommend doing these if you can. It's just a great trip and there are too many highlights to mention!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ashley is a legend!! The most professional, organised, knowledgeable and fun group leader you are going to find. She works so hard, we were lucky to have her lead this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a busy trip, but the rewards are great! Embrace all the opportunities, even if it means an early start (the floating market).

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