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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14318 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Chris Goddard

Reviewed February 2022

Great trip to see some of the many a varied aspects of Costa Rica

This trip was an excellent introduction to the many and varied climactic zones in Costa Rica and their associated wildlife. All of the locations visited on the trip were really interesting, although perhaps a minor change could be made to improve the experience.

Costa Rica is a relatively small country and so driving distances were easily manageable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Drake bay - returning by boat to the Wilderness Lodge following a rain forest walk, we saw some whales breaching. On investigating, we found that sitting in the boat with the engines off, the whales could be heard vocalising. Absolutely magical moment. Even outrguide said he had not heard that before. Nearly saw a puma at Drake Bay - pug mark in the mud only. But the forest walk was still one of the highlights. Staying in the Savegre Cloud forest area was also very good. Had a very brief glimpse of a quetzal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Jorge was excellent, as was the driver Carlos. Jorge had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the birds and wildlife that we could expect to find in each area, and was very quick in spotting wildlife and setting up his scope so that all could get a good close up view. Jorge also gave a good overview of life in Costa Rica during the longer drives. Jorge was very good at managing the group, and seemed to enjoy his trip with us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although the trip is aimed at people who like to swim/snorkel etc it is not mandatory, and I found that having no interest in maritime pursuits was not a problem. Plenty of other things to do. I would recommend walking into the little village at Drake bay - an interesting place to stop for refreshments and a walk around.

John Gilmour

Reviewed February 2022

Good skiing in stunning locations

A very good week of skiing thanks to Alex and Michele, the group leaders.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Dolomites scenery, nature and accessibility are all inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex is experienced, approachable and flexible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like tea or coffee in your room, take a travel kettle and mugs.

Katie Shilton

Reviewed February 2022

A Must Do Trip!

This is an absolutely fabulous trip that I would not hesitate to recommend. I really wasn’t sure how I would get on with a holiday in the cold as I am a warm weather person normally but I really enjoyed it. My feet and hands got cold sometimes but my body was warm all holiday – even in -24 watching the Northern Lights.

The variety of activities is brilliant – I got to do so many things for the first time.

I loved the Basecamp – so cosy with lovely staff and great food. The rooms are fairly small but are warm and comfortable with good storage space. I was fortunate to have an absolutely amazing group as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick one as the whole trip was an inspiration. Obviously things like the Northern Lights and Husky ride were amazing as was the optional walk in Riisitunturi National Park but I also really enjoyed some of the things I wasn't so sure would be as amazing like the reindeer farm which was really interesting and also the quinzee building which was brilliant fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti is fabulous. Funny, interesting, efficient - a great tour leader. His love for his country and the outdoors is infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about taking too many clothes if you don't already have them as they give you lots of layers to wear as well as boots and gloves etc. I would recommend hand and foot warmers though and good socks. It is well worth upgrading from a 10km to 20km husky ride if you have the option. Also - being on the back is way more fun that sitting down! Remember your driving license if you want to snowmobile as that was great fun as was the ice karting.

Jude Townley

Reviewed February 2022

Amazing Family Trip

Such an amazing trip if you are looking for fun in the snow! We did Feb half term and it was fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many things. The scenery was mind blowing - we had gorgeous sunny days for the first half of the week, very cold (-30 at some points) but the kit we were given had us snuggly warm. It was a real experience to have your eye lashes freeze! The second part of the week snowed, and that was lovely too. The dog sledding was an obvious highlight, and sitting by the frozen lake with the group, around a campfire at night watching (short & v subtle) northern lights. Snow shoeing to explore the beautiful national park was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elina took our group and was fabulous! On top of everything, happy and energetic, fun and great with the kids. Couldnt have asked for more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The kit they give you is great - trust that you won't want much more! Bring thermals for everyday, and lots of warm socks. I had my own fleece and used it, but didnt need it. If any of the kids clothing got soaked from sledging, they were very happy to swap it for dry kit - including the walking boots. The food it great - and there is tons of it. I took a load of cereal bars for my kids for snacks, they werent needed (and thats for 2 14 yr olds!). You WILL end up booking extras to do, there really isnt much planned for the fri and sat so we paid to do the saturday snow shoe walk, which was lovely. Our whole group ended up doing it. By the end of the week, we were one big happy group and organised some of our own activities using the sites equipment to entertain ourselves. There really isnt much to do in Ruka if you don't pay to go ice karting or skiing - my daughter and I had decided to mooch around the town, which took about 10 mins! You can take the cable car over to the other side, which we did, but again not much there apart from a cafe and nursery ski slopes. My husband and son did ice karting and it was good fun. My son did the ice climbing which he really enjoyed (v hard on the arms!). The kids all spent hours of our free time sledging - until bedtime using head torches!! They had a wonderful time and made great friends from the trip.

Suzanne Aspinall

Reviewed February 2022

Jordan is safe and beautiful from city to desert to beach

I enjoyed all the trip from Amman street food and amphitheatre, Jerash which reminded me of Rome, Petra which was incredible, the desert camp amazing food and floating in the dead sea. I felt safe at all times and loved seeing the diverse range the country had to offer

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was incredible and not just the Siq to Treasury the site is huge, the walk up 850 steps to the Monastery, the walk up to overlook the Treasury was incredible I'd recommend it. I also loved floating in the dead sea, a highlight of the trip and a nice end to the day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moyat was great, very informative, calm and organized. He also bought us local food out of his own pocket to try which was unexpected. We had a great group and we all got on really well

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking boots. Take layers it can be cold then hot. Take a spare battery for your camera! The camp was freezing in February, I was expecting cold and had many layers but was still cold. If you feel the cold, take some of them hand warmer things, hat, gloves, tights are good, maybe a sleeping bag if your case allows! Food portions are huge everywhere!

JANICE DUNCAN

Reviewed February 2022

Chilling out in Cyprus.

This whole trip was a delight. I knew very little about Cypriot history but came away with a better understanding of the country, the conflicts and the people. The scenery is stunning; the walking is a delight and the hotel and food did not disappoint.
It is relatively inexpensive to eat out and the food was delicious. Local wine washed down our meals and sunsets were enjoyed with the help of a Brandy Sour. If you want a stress free, walking holiday with some sunshine and blue skies head for Kyrenia. It was quite cool with brisk winds but there were enough heat in the midday to chase away any winter blues.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are some spectacular Crusader Castles set high in the mountains; the ancient city of Salamis and a fabulous shipwreck to see.The buildings are fascinating but I most enjoyed the rocky limestone pinnacles and the lovely trails through pine forests carpeted with anemones and orchids with views to a sparkling blue sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gizer is a top notch guide. He is a very relaxed and friendly host with an excellent knowledge of his country. Nothing was too much trouble and he was very helpful with our Covid testing and getting us across the border.He also sourced a rather lovely cake to celebrate my birthday. Transport worked well and his recommendations for restaurants were excellent. He made sure everyone had a lovely time and made us feel very comfortable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Worry not about saving a tree. Bring paper copies of Covid tests and Passenger Locator forms. It makes life easier.

Kath Brady

Reviewed February 2022

Highly Recommended

Enjoyable trip with knowledgeable and patience guides Michele & Alex. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Improved my technique with satisfying, lovely varied routes each day.
Hotel Tschurtschenthaler was clean, comfortable and relaxed with great food

Sean Anderson

Reviewed February 2022

Just do It!

320 miles of outstanding cycling, scenery, wildlife , inside a delicious Country. Friendly faces, surprisingly good food, cold beer, and night noises to sooth you to sleep – Costa Rica was super surprising, every day different, from the Central Highlands, Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, Rain Forests, and Volcanic Landscapes.

Costa Rican road quality was far superior to anything you’ll find in the UK, and so refreshing not to have one eye open for pot holes and lunatic drivers , that said there are occasionally some very big American Trucks around but there driving was of the higher order and are no cause for concern.

So as the title suggests “ Just Do It “ you will not be disappointed!

Most Inspirational Moment

Central Highlands gets a big thumbs up, as did the area around Fortuna , simply stunning. You keep thinking that you Wow that is outstanding reaction tank will fill up but it simply doesn’t. Tortuguero both coastal and up the river should not be missed , the same applies to the Manuel Antonio National Park, and after you reached the top of Death Mountain sipping a Coffee and watching Humingbirds fly around is a bit magical. To many good moments to single out , go and make your own!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto, simply the best ever, a shining star in the Exodus World. Roberto knows his stuff intimately, proud of his country, he exudes warmth, charm, humour, and nothing no problems attitude. He will push you as hard as you want to go but equally as chilled to let you find your own pace - its not a race it’s your holiday. Frustratingly he’s also a pretty able cyclist, as is Paul who works alongside Roberto and kept our bikes in top condition, and your man at the wheel Is Luis - super safe and a little legend with his knife and soft fruits at breaks. Great team all around - I hope you get all three!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It’s hot and humid . Clothes struggle to dry out after washing so bear this in mind and pack with this in mind. Sun Screen is unbelievable expensive in Costa so make sure you take enough, insects not such a problem but pack something preventative. Bikes are Scott Mountain Bikes and well maintained and in good condition - bring your saddle if you want but we didn’t find the standard saddle a problem. They are super low geared and will get you up anything you are likely to encounter hill wise , terrain is what they term “undulating “ but there are a few long accents and potentially fast descents if you choose to give your bike it’s head . That said our group which was fab got around intact and had no issues.

John Mitchell

Reviewed February 2022

Fantastic insight into Costa Rica and its wildlife

Our guide Roberto, aided by his highly professional support team of Paul and Luis, created an atmosphere of total fun to add to the terrific cycling, the beautiful scenery and the amazing birdlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick one because there were so many outstanding experiences. Swimming in the Pacific and Caribbean on one holiday is pretty amazing. Cycling in the Highlands away from much of the traffic on smooth roller-coaster roads was a different experience entirely from cycling in Britain. For me though the most inspirational aspect was the abundant and colourful birdlife in the gardens surrounding the Highland hotels and lodges and in the national parks; I came back with scores of memorable photographs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is simply outstanding: inclusive, encouraging, challenging, firm, well-organised, flexible, safe, and both passionate and knowledgeable about his country and what it has to offer the rest of the world. After a few days there was a tremendous team spirit in the group (one of the best I have experienced) and in no small measure this was due to Roberto's personal qualities and his fantastic sense of humour and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As there are several transfers between cycling sessions, it's a good idea to have a small bag you can keep on the bus so you can refresh sun cream, change out of cycling shoes for food stops etc. The Pacific part of the ride is incredibly hot: make sure you have more sun cream than you would expect to need, and use it. Don't take dollars: use the local currency, as the informal exchange rate in shops and restaurants for dollars is poor and you get change in local currency anyway.

Sally James

Reviewed February 2022

Fantastic holiday

A fabulous cycling holiday with a great group and an amazing leader, mechanic and driver.
The amount that we packed into the trip was incredible, a beautiful country with lovely friendly locals.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the central highlands. There are climbs however everyone could go at their own pace. Stunning views, especially on the descents! There was plenty of time to take lots of photos. Tortuguero National Park was a fabulous experience, loads of bird life, monkeys and iguanas. Loved swimming in both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans. The variety of scenery that we cycled through and the amount of the country that we covered in 2 weeks was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Roberto is an inspirational leader, with a great sense of humour and exceptional organisational skills. Everything ran like clockwork! He made everyone welcome and nothing was too much trouble. His passion for and knowledge of his country is fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a day rucksack or suitable bag for putting a change of clothes, sun tan cream etc in (and sandals if you wear cleats) so that you can keep this handy on the bus to change into for transfers if you want. One of the hotels half way round does laundry if you want.

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