Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Svetla was amazing - she was really easy going but super organised, and was so knowledgeable about the area, the nature etc.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Incredibly hiking holiday
I did this trip on my own, & was hoping to see a new country, do some challenging hikes and switch off. This trip did all this and more. The organisation was amazing – our guide Svetla was wonderful, incredibly knowledgeable and so helpful. The week was amazing – there was enough variety, some quite challenging but beautiful hikes, and great accommodation, food and company. It was great to see a week long trip in Europe with a ‘challenging’ rating – perfect for someone like me with a week’s holiday to use who wants to do something active and to see a new and beautiful part of the world, without having to do much organising (as Exodus did this). It felt like much longer than a week (in a great way) and was an amazing holiday! I will 100% be recommending to others!
Three countries in less than 2 weeks!
This was a really exhilarating trip. We had such a diverse journey through mountainous landscapes and fascinating cities – with stops at a waterfall, lakes and interesting historical remote buildings. The itinerary was excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
Kotor Bay and the Old cCty, Sarajevo and Mostar where we whitnessed a young diver jumping off the famous Ottoman Bridge. Also a visit to the highest and remotest village in Bosnia Hezagovinia where we met Sam's grandparents. A dying village that only has about 50 residents still living there -but not in the Winter.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sam was fantastic in every area. Her English was totally colloquial and she had a great sense of humour. I must also praise Sam, the driver. I suffer from vertigo but never felt fearful whilst he was manipulating those hairpin bends through the mountains of Montenegro. We nicknamed them Big Sam and Little Sam.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I felt that one of the highlights listed on the website is not totally accurate. For example the walking in the Durmitor Park was described as 'Enjoy gentle walking in the stunning Durmitor National Park' I was one of the older members of the group and am fairly fit and am a Member of the Ramblers Association and regualary walk 7-9 miles most weekends. However, I found the terrain around the Black Lake extremely challenging insofar as we were walking on a mixture of unsteady and different sized rocks and tree roots. I actually had to be supported by Sam for this walk which was only about 4 miles but a very difficult 4 miles and took longer than expected. I would also like to point out that everywhere we went there were many many steep steps to navigate - mostly without rails.
Excellent from start to finish
I couldn’t recommend this trip more. The Chalet (Chalet Chamonix) genuinely felt like home for the week and the views of Mont Blanc & surrounding glaciers from the hot tub couldn’t be beaten. Chalet hosts Liz and Clare were exceptional and the food was fantastic (including freshly baked cakes on walking days). Our guide for the week was Jeffry who was so easy-going, informative and helpful. All three Exodus staff made our week in Chamonix an incredibly enjoyable and memorable experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely excellent in every aspect of his work as a guide, ranging from detailed evening briefings to his ‘nature-talk stops’ whilst out walking.
Just do it!
I think this trip is probably one of the best, if not the best, we’ve ever done and having visited every continent, we’ve done a few! We were blessed with glorious weather and a fabulous guide and driver, so that always helps. Lina was so knowledgeable and informative, sharing her family’s story to put the history of the country in context. The days were planned with thought and care, a great balance of cycling and sightseeing, itineraries were changed, always with consensus, to accommodate the very hot days. The cycle network is really good, the roads were quiet and importantly, mostly flat. The beautiful beaches were a revelation, I hadn’t appreciated that the coast would be so sandy and the sea so clean. It was such a treat to be able to swim at the end of some of the days in clean, clear and not so salty water. We knew very little about this part of the world and this trip is a really good way to explore it and get know a little of it’s history; we really enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it
Most Inspirational Moment
The Hill of Crosses was quite exceptional, an amazing sight, unlike anything we've seen before, it's quite stunning and profound, difficult not to feel moved by such a sight. We also enjoyed the cycle along the Curonian Spit, the water on both sides at times, and the pine forests made for a glorious ride.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lina was great; nothing was too much trouble, she really got the the British sense of humour and made each day fun and memorable. I liked that she took group photos every day, along with other pictures that she then posted on our group WhatsApp group. It meant we could enjoy the cycling and the scenery in the knowledge we would a record of our trip. She also posted details of where we had been so we didn't have to remember! We also appreciated she way she told us about the histories of all 3 countries without judgment, explaining the facts with care.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If travelling with cabin baggage only, be aware that if your journey involves a flight from Helsinki to Tallin, the cabin baggage has to be a smaller capacity. We got away with it on the way out but coming back we had to put our bags in the hold.
Cycle the Baltics
Very good cycle paths at most times. We did try to explore new routes occasionally with mixed results but it was fun. The mileage and level of difficulty suited the group well and I finished each day satisfied with my efforts but not over tired. The bikes were heavy and not of good quality but I do appreciate that they needed to be robust as some of our rides took us off road. One concern I have is that unlike previous trips I have been on with Exodus this trip had only one guide who relied heavily on the bus driver to assist in indicating the route and also made a great deal of use of the goodwill of a few of the riders who were happy to help leading on many of the routes. Our guide was mindful of not losing anyone off the back of the group which meant that he was rarely in front leading and ensuring that we did not go off course. We really need both a guide and a back up man plus of course the bus driver which is what I have been accustomed to on previous holidays.
Most Inspirational Moment
Wandering around Tallinn on the first day and getting my first impression of that city and country was really enjoyable. The peacefulness and cleanliness of a capital city was so refreshing and made me ashamed of Cardiff which is of course the capital of Wales. Also swimming in the Baltic sea was great fun and a pleasant diversion from cycling all day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Spoke excellent English. As most of your guides are, he was knowledgeable and answered all our questions. He took us on several interesting walks around towns and cities pointing out important landmarks and explaining things historically. I think he did an excellent job of guiding the rides when you consider that he was on his own with 14 of us to look out for. He gave us timely breaks and made sure we had access to fresh water, toilet facilities and cafe stops. He must have been exhausted at the end of each days ride yet he still took the time to make sure we knew where to go for dinner in the evening and that everyone in the group was included. We were a little pressed for time between getting to hotels and going out for dinner and I would have liked more time to shower and get ready.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of insect repellent and sun cream.
Great trip
Great variety of things to do and see. Loads of nature, good optional trips (white water rafting, zip lining and whale watching are must dos). Most of the hotels and locations were good, although one wasn’t great and badly located for activities, as well as being noisy.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing whales breaching in the Pacific Ocean, river tour through tortuguero, turtle laying her eggs and the monkey stealing a Pina colada.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jorge was amazing. Did everything he could for the group, was very friendly and welcoming, incredibly knowledgeable about his country and the natural world within it. Easy to talk to, funny, and felt like a family friend we'd known for years - there were tears at the end.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Waterproofs - we were lucky but it can be very wet.
Perfect Costa Rica Family Adventure
An amazing adventure that exceeding expectations. The travel guide, Johnny and driver Wilbur were superb and made the holiday
Most Inspirational Moment
Loved every moment. Seeing the Green Turtles giving birth and Hump back Whale babies jumping was amazing but the thousand little things easily matched
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely Perfect. Love and enthusiasm for Costa Rica was Superb
Advice for Potential Travellers
Enjoy. Traveled in early August and needed no warm gear. T-shirt and umbrella was ideal for all areas. If you have never explored Costa Rica would 100% recommend.
Magical Namibia
This was my first trip with Exodus and it has left me hungry for more! The whole experience from start to finish was excellent and professionally managed. I have come away with so many wonderful memories, from the vast landscape of the Namib Desert, the beautiful orange/red sand dunes to the skeleton coast and then Etosha National Park The ever changing scenery was just fantastic and then there is the wild life! There was eleven of us in total on this trip in July, guessing 35 – 70yrs, we gelled on day one and had a fantastic time. The lodges and food were excellent, and very friendly staff. The Tour truck was comfortable and well maintained. There were some long days and early starts, these are necessary and well managed with lots of breaks to stretch the legs.
Most Inspirational Moment
The vastness and beauty of the Namib desert sand dunes, both seen from the ground and the air. I took a pleasure flight from Swakopmund over the desert and coast. At the lodge in Etosha I wandered down to the viewing area beside the waterhole to the sight of twenty elephants of all sizes and age that just called in for a drink, a couple of Giraffes in the background waiting their turn. You don’t experience that in front of the television.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Shane was our guide and host for the trip and he looked after us so well. Very knowledgeable and proud of his country, and knowledgeable of the wild life that he keenly shared with us. Nothing was too much trouble for him, professional and a joy to be with.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t be put off by joining a group of strangers, they are there for the same reason that you are, to explore, experience and enjoy, so will be like minded. Desert roads and passing vehicles kick up a lot of dust , With the windows and roof open it can get a bit dusty , take a snood or a scarf to pop over the face. Although there is not so much traffic so not a big deal. Most places took cards but a few didn’t so have a few $$ in cash Some early starts and long days, so go to bed early with a book and relax for the next days adventure. If you get a chance take the pleasure flight from Swakopmund, may be a bit expensive but worth it.
Great trip . Shame about the range of room standards in the chalet
The walks, guide, chalet hosts and food were all excellent. However there was a massive range in the room size/ standard/ noise level / view at chalet Chocolat . It felt very unfair to have paid the same as everyone else ( and booked well in advance: March 1st 2022) and yet I was allocated a very poor room . It was tiny with a small window onto the front gravel drive . The only downstairs room : adjacent to the communal lounge and a communal toilet and closest to the road . I really feel this room ( and the velux window room upstairs ) ought to be offered at a lesser price and never as a room share. The beds in room 5 ( my downstairs room) were about a foot apart both pushed against the wall with just a tiny shared bedside table between. I felt I had to lock the door when I was in the room as someone could easily mistake the toilet door and room 5 door.
Most Inspirational Moment
All the walks were great and distinctly different to each other in some way
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you are NOT allocated room 5
Reply from Exodus
We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review, Kathryn, and particularly for sharing such positive feedback about your tour leader. On the other hand, we sincerely regret that the room you were allocated fell below your expectations. There are variations between the rooms that our clients are allocated at the Chalet Chocolat, in size and layout as well as position within the chalet, which means that naturally some rooms are quieter than others or can lack a balcony view, as yours did. This is mentioned under the Accommodation section of our trip notes and we are confident that this allows our clients to set their expectations accordingly. We are aware, however, that an administrative mix-up resulted in another member of your group, who booked after you, receiving what could be considered a superior room and we are sorry if this felt unfair. I understand that our customer services team has been in touch directly to resolve your concerns, but we are disappointed that your experience was not as positive as you would have expected. We are glad that the overall trip was an enjoyable experience and hope that you will entrust your future travel plans to Exodus.
Emma Cambers, Product Manager
Great downhills
Cycling the hills – both up and down – was a thrill. And the last two days the flat village riding was charming. Traffic was a too heavy to properly enjoy the connecting sections. Accommodation was varied. Some lovely hotels. One rather damp and unpleasant hotel ( acknowledged as a fudge after covid closures). The homestay however was dire. Only 2 hours sleep after inconsiderate guests partied until 2 and then from 4 for an early start. Even without them however the homestay was going to to cause problems. Walls were quant but thin bamboo and the the whole place was seriously delapidated but still offering ~ 25 rooms.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the caldera rim on day 2.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was keen, helpful and very efficient. Very personable. The whole team was too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I hope you like rice! Vegetarians well catered for - I was nearly converted! Easy to avoid or indulge in chilli and spice.