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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14331 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

John Wallace

Reviewed June 2019

A wonderful country - but an indifferent leader

The journey, the country, the route, the accommodation, the food and drink – all faultless.

However, one relies very much on the tour leader to provide insights, explanations and observations of their native country, in order to bring that country to life and bring greater richness to the experience than mere observation, as a visiting stranger, can rovide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling amidst spectacular scenery redolent of Middle Earth in a time of innocence.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Poor. He did what he had to and no more. He kept a distance from the group, erecting an impenetrable wall comprising his mobile phone and an attitude that clearly communicated that it would be best for us if we didn't trouble him by talking to him more than absolutely necessary. He had no contact with me throughout the trip, and I felt too intimidated to dare to ask him any of the many questions I had about his wonderful country. I have been on many other Exodus trips on which the leader become a friend, adviser, support and encouragement - and all-around hero.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that they get an Albania guide who truly loves their job - most of the Exodus guides I've encountered have given their hearts and souls to the execution of their duties.

Sue Moody

Reviewed June 2019

Calves of steel

A fabulous week in the Cinque Terre – not to be missed! The uphill sections can be a slog but the views are so rewarding that it really is worth it. Walking between the villages of the Cinque Terre is the best way to see the beauty of the area and, on the less used paths, see fewer tourists! The group was great fun, we all got on really well. Hotel Piccolo offers great breakfasts and the rooms are clean and adequate – it’s easy to find walking from the station.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the walk from Corniglia to Manarola. Once we were up on the path through the terraced vineyards, the views were spectacular and there was a real sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela is an excellent guide who checks on everyone and gives plenty of rest periods which are essential as there are lots of uphill sections, many with steps of varying heights and condition. She provides alternatives for people who do not want to the full walk every day as well as inspiration for the free day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you really don't like walking up hills or struggle with long down hill walks, this isn't for you! If you are fit but are slow either uphill, downhill or both - don't worry as Michela makes sure that the pace works for everyone and the views are superb and worth it! Moneglia has lots of restaurants with plenty of choice so if you don't want to eat with the group you have lots of options.

Amy Kuhn

Reviewed June 2019

Great hikes + comforts of home

This was my first trip with Exodus, but it won’t be my last. From the moment we pulled up to the chalet we were greeted by our hosts Zoe and Ben who immediately grabbed our stuff and showed us to our rooms and made us feel right at home. The Chalet Chocolat is very cozy and homey with a view out the back that never gets old. Our hikes were terrific, challenging but so worth it. Every day was different. The terrain, the scenery, the challenges… and the views. Our leader, Egle was great! Fun, sociable, knowledgeable and very organized. We very much enjoyed her leadership and had alot of laughs along the way. The food is amazing. Having cake waiting for you when you get back from a long day of trekking is even better than it sounds once you’ve done it. And these are real homemade cakes that are to die for. 3 course meals every night? So spoiled!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think it was our 4th hike, up to Aiguillette des Houches. It was a big hike and our group had been struggling with altitude and general malaise. There is a section that is very narrow and tricky just before summiting and everyone got through it like a champ. Being up there all together was something special. Also, crossing a heavy flowing stream forcing us all to get our feet wet and Egle helping everyone across by standing in it and other members of the group assisting as well. Very cool.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Egle was a great leader. Smart, organized, sociable and fun. She kept an eye on everyone and always had our safety at the forefront. I would love to trek with her again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is still quite challenging physically. There are some significant ascents and descents on some tricky terrain and narrow passages. The altitude can also play a factor. Not to be underestimated.

Elaine Collins

Reviewed June 2019

Toubkal Long Trek

Epic experience, very well organised and a great group of people

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from 4000m was amazing, didnt expect it to affect me the way it did, I i will never forget it! Our guide was fantastic, he took time to work out our abilities and tailored the walking so that we were all able to keep together. The summit day was excellent thanks to his pacing and care.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were lucky with the weather but if it would have been wetter then the sleeping mattresses could have gotten damp so take a binbag or something to form a barrier with. Food was great but a little light on protein for my metabolism, though it would be so I took some sachets of protein powder to add to my porridge. Carry and drink lots of water, 3 l per day

George Garland

Reviewed June 2019

Fascinating Place

The names of Samarkand and Bukhara have conjured dreams since my school days many years ago and I never thought I would have a chance to see them. The fall of the USSR and now visa-free travel has left this land of desert fortresses, caravan stops and the beautiful buildings covered in ornate blue tiles within reach. The land of Tamerlane, the vastness of the central Asian steppes and the magical cross-roads of civilisations and learning need to be seen to be believed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Khiva and seeing the Silk Road monuments for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shah is a young man fairly new to the industry. He is very knowledgeable but lacks some of the finesse and inter-personal skills that come with experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Uzbekistan is far easier to enjoy than imagined. Outside Tashkent English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourist industry and amongst the young. With a stay up to 15 days now visa free for tourists from a large range of countries including the UK this is the time to travel before too many people start making their plans and prices start rising.

Colin Prince

Reviewed June 2019

Feedback

Excellent trip, great time of year to go. The trip was well put together and the cycling was safe and varied.
Would say I thought it was more a 3.5-4 than the 3 it was given.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the views were amazing and the wild flowers were a joy

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giovanni Pasella was one of the best leaders that I have had with Exodus, very knowledgable and did his best to make our trip interesting and relaxed. Marc also was very good and we always had a laugh

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for hills

Christopher Simpson

Reviewed June 2019

Walking in Madeira

A week of varied walking and a chance to get away from the crowd.
We were impressed by the stunning scenery in challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk Westward, along the cliffs from Machico to Porto Santo was dramatic without being too scary. The most strenuous day (5) up to Pico Ruivo was spent mostly in clouds/rain, but when the clouds lifted, we had astonishing views down into the valleys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

André Pontes was an excellent guide, with a real passion for the mountains, and great knowledge of the often unique Madieran flora and fauna. He encouraged us through relentless ( unseasonable he said) rain and kept our spirits up. He was a very good judge of the strengths and weaknesses of our group, and offered help when needed, and kept us all safe en route.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Conditions change rapidly in the mountains..... Take a range of good ( waterproof ) clothes and sturdy boots.

Jane Bell

Reviewed June 2019

A great introduction to hiking in Greece

The trip was well constructed with a varied walking itinerary. There were some spectacular views, testing climbs and beautiful riverside moments, as well as the sights at Meteora. The accommodation was comfortable and the food options well thought out.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the first sight of the Monasteries at Meteora - but there were plenty of fabulous views throughout.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was helpful and responsive. He made sensible adjustments to the itinerary to capitalise on good weather and was sensitive to the wishes of the whole group

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Dragon Lake day is a long day but reasonably paced. We were very lucky with the weather which is obviously not assured for all trips - good waterproofs would be wise whatever the forecast. It would have been rather miserable if soaking wet and the refuge is unheated in Summer so there would be no chance to dry out. Extra snacks were welcome on the longer days. The ‘kit list’ accurately reflects what is necessary.

Gail Hopper

Reviewed June 2019

Great trip

A delightful trip from many perspectives.
Lovely scenery and interesting places to visit in the south of island.
Very good company of lovely people.
Amazing food.
Hot weather
What’s not to like??

Most Inspirational Moment

Not necessarily inspirational but some really enjoyable experiences. On bike - the challenging climb up to Cavagrande del Cassibile and the wonderful views from the top. Off bike - possibly arriving in Noto or the wander through Marzamemi - really was a picturesque fishing village, followed by Guiseppe’s picnic, relaxation and swim at the agriturisimo

Thoughts on Group Leader

Davida was a gentleman. Totally committed to ensuring we had a safe and enjoyable trip, kind and humorous. We liked his “stories” and his growing collection of English colloquialisms, that he tried to feed into daily conversation. He was well organised, ensuring an early start and finish so we had time to relax, swim or explore at the end of each ride. He knew, was proud of and described his country well. He wanted us to see the best of it ( and we almost did ). Took us to some lovely places to eat, to get the best pizza in Noto, antipasto in Syracuse and gelato and cannoli anywhere. A man with good taste! Giuseppe his assistant was a great supporter/driver/ bike mechanic and picnic provider. He has limited English but we managed to get by and the two made a good team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of how hot it can be in early June. Was 37degrees on day one. Didn’t fall below 30 all week. Davida sensibly had us out early each morning before it became unbearably hot. In some of the rural areas near the coast there were appalling amounts of rubbish dumped along the roadsides. We understood this was a result of political decisions about tax linked to recycling. This isn’t something Exodus are responsible for or able to change ( though I fear it could impact on tourism if it isn’t addressed). So very sad to destroy beautiful countryside.

Gordon Brown

Reviewed June 2019