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
Reviews
David Phillips
Reviewed November 2019
Costa Rica is an amazing country
This was a great trip which we enjoyed thoroughly. Having wanted to visit CR for some time, I was hoping to see a lot of the wildlife and to experience its rich biodiversity. The itinerary was perfect and allowed plenty of time to enjoy these aspects. The transport and accommodation was comfortable and of a high standard. Our guide was superb.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many enjoyable moments throughout the trip, but for me the most thrilling moments were
1. witnessing a green turtle lay and bury her eggs on the beach at Tortuguera, and then return t o the sea on the second night in the country. This was a real privilege.
2. Spotting and photographing Resplendent Quetzals in the cloud forest at Savegre right at the end of the trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andres Zuniga is an absolutely superb guide. His knowledge of Costa Rica and its wildlife is astonishing and his ability to find and identify birds and animals is absolutely astounding. We would not have seen a tenth of what we did see without him. He instantly identified scores of birds by their calls. He found quetzals for us with little effort. He also has an impressive knowledge of the flora. He made our experience of Costa Rica an incredible one. Not only that, but he was pleasant at all times, interesting in what he told us, and was a great host and ambassador for his country. We also had a very capable, friendly and helpful bus driver, Geraldo. Between them they looked after our party extremely well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are at all interested in birds and animals and enjoy seeing them, you will enjoy this trip. Costa Rica deserves its reputation as a country that has gone to great lengths to restore and conserve its forests and biodiversity and this itinerary will give you many wonderful experiences of what it has to offer.
Elaine Bradley
Reviewed November 2019
Great trip
This was a lovely ride through a beautiful part of Italy. I liked the fact that we actually rode the distance from one beautiful city to another (rather than bus transfers). This did mean that it was a rush to check in, shower and be ready to join Michele for the evening meal he organised each evening but for me, that was a price worth paying for the cycling place to place. I think Michele did well organising good, mid range restaurants.
Our guide Michele’s home town is Vicenza, so he knows and loves this region – especially Vicenza!
The route was well planned to use cycle paths or quiet roads, so always a handy coffee and lunch stop.
Most Inspirational Moment
Not one moment to single out, but the cycling generally through such a lovely part of Italy was my highlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michele was a very knowledgeable warm and inspiring guide. I believe he added greatly to the trip by his enthusiasm for helping us to see the best of his home region. As we were travelling to join the trip, I started coming down with a chest infection, and wondered whether I should opt for an electric bike. and having talked through the terrain with Michele, I stuck with a bike rather than opting for an electric bike. I was so glad I did but was wavering slightly. Having discussed what cycling we were used to, Michele encouraged me to cycle. It may have been easier for him to steer me towards an ebike, but he helped me choose what was better for me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring your own snacks for during the day if that is important to you, but there are coffee stops along the way. We were very lucky with the unseasonably lovely weather, so my rain jacket was unused, although best be prepared in case.
Justin Emrich
Reviewed November 2019
Trip of a lifetime
From the moment we met our guide, he talked about us becoming a family for the next fortnight as he wanted us all to stick together. This we did and it really made our trip special. He, our porters and two assistant guides looked after us every step of the way.
The high mountains were tantalisingly shy for the first few days, but then gradually showed themselves to us. Simply stunning.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being helped across a 287m long bridge by two guides. Not something I was looking forward to.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Simply outstanding. Our safety and happiness was his top concern. He even used his greater experience to assist a trekker in another group who needed to descend quickly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The couch journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is an experience and longer than we were expecting due to the state of the roads.
Be prepared for very little flat walking, no meat, very limited alcohol and very basic bathroom facilities for a fortnight. If you can cope with this, you will love every minute of this trip.
Your knees need to be in good working order!
Learn to love Dal Baht - the best bit is you can eat as much as you like. Also the local Gerund bread with cheese is delicious.
Pack a metal water bottle. It can double as a hot water bottle when you get to ABC which is pretty cold.
Due to the up and down nature of this trip and taking 7 days to reach ABC, none of us had any issues with altitude.
The optional early trip up to Poon Hill is in my opinion only 50%/50% worth it. It’s a big additional climb and can be very busy.
Leave your phone at home!
Tanya Howes
Reviewed November 2019
Great trip but tough country to enjoy
I’ve done alot of travel in my time, mostly on my own, as I dislike the tour group mentality. This trip had the good, the bad, and the ugly. I picked it because Egypt isn’t a country that I feel safe travelling in and can be a logistical nightmare. For this, I am so grateful to our tour leader Nadia, who had to manage tough logistics, an action packed list of activities and a group of people that spanned the spectrum of seasoned, adaptable traveller, to completely dependent and self absorbed holiday seeker.
For the most part the tour was good value, but beware the amount of extra money needed for tips, people shaking you down for more money, and truly aggressive and unpleasant taxi drivers, horse carriage drivers and market merchants.
The hotel in Cairo was very bad but all other accomodations were great.
My take away is that while I am so grateful that I saw the sites I had dreamed about and researched for years, for me and they were everything I ever imagined, Egypt is a tough country to navigate. It’s really hard to just wander down a street or go shopping. You will be accosted by people wanting to take you to their shop, get in their cab or horse carriage. They will pester you for blocks. And negotiations are hard core, not light hearted. Don’t lose your cool.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the sun set on the Nile.
Having a beautiful lunch on one of the sailboats, again on the Nile.
Having an early morning Turkish coffee in Luxor before the market opened and watching the world wake up.
Getting a kiss on the cheek from a little girl who was fixated with my earrings and her mother and I laughing about how focussed the little one was.
Seeing the new library in Alexandria, and seeing an amazing dedication to learning and hope for the future.
Thoughts on Group Leader
As mentioned above, I found our group leader to be very informed, adaptable to the group's requests, patient with all the different attitudes, caring and solicitous even when tour participants were ungracious. She managed it all with grace and professionalism. I saw amazing sites and got explanations I never would have on my own. She went above and beyond to create an interesting experience and provide fulsome explanations of what we were seeing. I found Nadia to be extremely knowledgeable about heiroglyphics and Egyptian history and generally a joy to be with.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring lots of Egyptian pounds in small denominations (10s and 20s).
Recognize that while you may agree to pricing when shopping or taking a cab, you will likely be asked aggressively for more. Stand your ground and get out of the cab/shop quickly.
Be aware that air and ground pollution is extreme and bring wipes.
Be aware that climbing in and out of pyramids is for people in shape and if you attempt it, the space is very small and you will be holding up hundreds of people if you can't move quickly. And please respect the culture. Look around you. Neither men nor women are wearing shorts or skimpy tops. Cover up.
Stephanie Clare
Reviewed November 2019
Excellent mix of history, scenery and cycling
A great introduction to Jordan with the two main bases covered: Wadi Rum and Petra, with a healthy sprinkling of cycling in-between.
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery in Wadi Rum closely followed by Petra.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ab (Abdullah) was excellent: extremely knowledgeable, courteous, and with a great sense of humour. He was always approachable and understanding - nothing was too much trouble for him. Despite the unscheduled changes on our trip (a flooded hotel and an overnight change in law re cycling trips), he worked through these issues, communicating regularly, and we completed all the activities we were scheduled to do, albeit in a different order. He was incredibly hardworking and never seemed to be "off-duty". He was in every sense a true professional. For us, he made the trip and is a credit to Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As a couple we only spent 450JD (we didn't really buy any souvenirs as none of them really interested us and a lot of it was very similar). Our 3/4 season sleeping bags were unnecessary for Wadi Rum, just a liner or lightweight sleeping bag would have been sufficient when we were there in late October - check temperatures before you go for an idea. We didn't use that many of our own snacks as our guide was great at providing these and it was something different everyday. You don't need your own bike repair kit as the team mechanic is following behind you. As others have mentioned there isn't a huge variety in the food, but there is plenty to eat. Remember to take a water bottle, the one disappointing thing about Jordan is the amount of plastic rubbish you see littering the sides of the roads. Finally the cycling was more ascent and descent than we had anticipated from the trip notes. The cycle at Wadi Rum is flat, the rest isn't!
Maria Branton
Reviewed November 2019
A week in Jordan Oct-Nov 2019
A full week discovering Jordan from Amman City and the ruins of Jerash, 2 days exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, eating and sleeping at a Bedouin camp, watching the sunset and sunrise. Snorkelling in the Red sea, where sadly the coral is now bleached and floating in the Dead Sea.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved Petra, so much to see there. The climb to the High Sacrifice was a little tough but so worth it for the view.
Wadi Rum was wonderful, very peaceful and lying on the sand seeing the starry night sky was fabulous.
Our penultimate night group dinner in Aqaba was fabulous and really should be the last night as dinner at the Holiday Inn on the last night was disappointing
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mohammed Aziz was incredible. He kept us on track, informed us of our times, places we were visiting and was a fountain of knowledge in all the places we visited. A kind and caring tour leader who made sure we were all happy, fed and watered. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with him as your guide.
Our driver was patient and helpful throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Arrive a day early in Amman, as the flight on Royal Jordanian gets in very late. That would give you time to acclimatise and settle in.
Don’t expect everything to work like clockwork. The Middle East does not operate that way...but you will achieve everything you have been promised. Just relax and enjoy every moment of this great journey.
Maria Branton
Reviewed November 2019
A week in Jordan Oct-Nov 2019
A full week discovering Jordan from Amman City and the ruins of Jerash, 2 days exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, eating and sleeping at a Bedouin camp, watching the sunset and sunrise. Snorkelling in the Red sea, where sadly the coral is now bleached and floating in the Dead Sea.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved Petra, so much to see there. The climb to the High Sacrifice was a little tough but so worth it for the view.
Wadi Rum was wonderful, very peaceful and lying on the sand seeing the starry night sky was fabulous.
Our penultimate night group dinner in Aqaba was fabulous and really should be the last night as dinner at the Holiday Inn on the last night was disappointing
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mohammed Aziz was incredible. He kept us on track, informed us of our times, places we were visiting and was a fountain of knowledge in all the places we visited. A kind and caring tour leader who made sure we were all happy, fed and watered. I would thoroughly recommend a tour with him as your guide.
Our driver was patient and helpful throughout the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Arrive a day early in Amman, as the flight on Royal Jordanian gets in very late. That would give you time to acclimatise and settle in.
Don’t expect everything to work like clockwork. The Middle East does not operate that way...but you will achieve everything you have been promised. Just relax and enjoy every moment of this great journey.
Dorothy Walker
Reviewed November 2019
This fantastic adventure will remain with me for the rest of my life!
I was in a team with 4 others who will be ‘forever friends’ such a short time on the mountain six days up and two down yet we got to know each other so well encouraging each other all the way. An absolute dream team . Thank you Caroline , Hazel, Fay and Andrew
. Our head guide Julian (J.T) was superb as were Hance and David.
As long as I can remember I have wanted to climb this mountain and at 62 I thought I should give it a go! A month ago today I stood on the roof of Africa. What a day!
Most Inspirational Moment
Everyday was different the rain forest ,
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower etc.
The most fun day was the great Barranco wall which looks steep but completely doable.
On summit night I was excited, apprehensive and just wanted to get to the top however I knew it would be a very long day reaching Uhuru Peak .As soon as day break comes you get this burst of extra energy! Reaching Uhuru Peak was just the best moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
I can not praise our guides enough .
Head guide - Julian (J.T.) was so professional, so kind and patient setting a sensible pace to allow us to acclimatise.
Absolutely first class chap.
Assistant guides- David and Hance equally as professional . I felt safe at all times on our journey.
They all gave quiet and kind words of encouragement all the way. They never stop smiling and making things seem easy!
I shall never forget them .
Not forgetting our superb cook Trophin providing the food which would give us the energy we needed each day . Excellent porridge ! The wonderful porters and assistant guides Rikado Trophin and Arnold Thomas.
Julius I thank you for also always being there! All the way to the top!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The most important thing is to follow the pace the guides set they are so experienced and everyone will tell you poly poly and that’s exactly what to do to give yourself more of a chance of acclimatising and reaching the summit .
Don’t forget your nail brush ! I did !
Keep your head down especially on summit day this was the advice I was given ‘don’t look up’!! Just keep plodding . Have fun , you will love it and carry those memories forever.
Steve Taylor
Reviewed November 2019
A great week
An interesting and varied walking trip with a side trip to Seville.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking the Caminito del Rey. A brilliant day, but all walks were scenic, interesting and full of interest.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michael is a star. Loves Spain and the culture. Gave great info about flora and fauna and willing to go the extra mile to keep everything interesting and relevant. A top Exodus leader and we have done over 30 trips with the company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is rural Spain, not the seaside. You really get to see home people live and enjoy the country.
Brian White
Reviewed November 2019
Well Delivered Challenging Walking in a Beautiful Area
We did the challenging week in early September. Having done many ‘challenging’ holidays with Exodus in the past, for the first time a very challenging weeks walking was actually delivered. This was our first time in Tuscany and from the moment we got off the plane at Pisa we were taken with the area. The accommodation was idyllic and the surrounding scenery stunning. The day trip by train to Lucca was well worth it and very interesting.
Most Inspirational Moment
This was a great area for some serious walking, summits, views and scenery. Even the vehicle transfers to and from the start of the walks were interesting. The demanding two day walk with an overnight stay at the comfortable refuge was a great experience along with the strenuous summit of Monte Cusana.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sara was a very good and knowledgeable guide who had a great passion for the area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather was very kind to us in early September and we walked mainly in t-shirts, but we did have one wet afternoon when it absolutely poured, so take decent waterproofs and proper boots. There are problems with ticks in this area so it is important to check yourself at the end of each walk. We found a few!
For the challenging departure you need to be fit otherwise you will hold the group back. Take good boots, poles and ideally a hydration system (Camelbak) as you get through plenty of water, and refills are not always available on the route.
Although the overnight refuge was more 'posher' than some, you still need to take earplugs, eye shades, towel and a red bulb head torch. The food is excellent and plentiful and there is hot water, showers and proper toilets! All in all, a good experience and the thought of a refuge should not put you off booking this trip.
