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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14342 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Lucy Pearce

Reviewed April 2019

Amazing Adventure

Every day provided an interesting insight into the culture

Most Inspirational Moment

The bike ride in Hoi Ann's countryside with Zoom Zoom was inspirational, fun and informative. He discussed how the rice fields were harvested, how families acreage was allocated and we visited two locals homes. One where rice wine was made by a Vietnamese injured war veteran who had built a small business from very little and the other home a lady weaved rugs. The people who had suffered so much were kind and gracious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader for Vietnam, over 12 days, Cons Nguyen was warm, welcoming and exceptionally efficient. The transport, hotels and sight seeing logistics were impeccably managed. He always safely managed people on/off planes, buses, taxis, boats, kayaks and took the group to some pre-booked great local restaurants that we would never have found if left to our own devices. He was very knowledgeable; quickly knew the names of all 16 members of our group, consistently answered queries, always providing proactive information on both what we were doing and what we would be doing next. Our Cambodian Tour Guide, Rous over 2 days was similarly efficient albeit we had one very good full day at the Ankor complex (starting at 4.30.a.m.) with her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for many early morning starts. However, looking back you fully appreciate how much you pack-in a day!

Anne Wilson

Reviewed April 2019

Fantastic but tiring!

This holiday was wonderful though the first two days were excessively tiring and I’m quite an energetic person! This was because the flight timing plus security clearance plus travel time to our first hotel (incl loss of two hrs)meant we didn’t get to our beds until midnight and immediately shifted to very early starts to avoid heat and crowds on day one and to catch a 6am flight on day 2. After that the holiday was just right. It was still busy but calmer and the end of the holiday and cruise gave recovery time. I would suggest ending day 1 after the museum visit..ie .cut out mosque and souk in Cairo. ( Instead go to mosque in Asswan if intro to Islam is wanted and visit the lovely souk there as it was infinitely better…not being so entirely touristy). Alternatively fit Cairo in on the return…as we all changed flights there on our way home…but that might add a day to the holiday which may not suit some.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cairo museum and the optional trip to Abu Simbel

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tito was excellent. He was very personable and he kept a very mixed group going well on an extremely full trip. He would adapt details to suit peoples needs whilst still looking after the whole party and made sure we saw all the key parts of every site we visited. His knowledge was impeccable. He told us what we needed to know but, when questioned, he demonstrated he knew even more just for the asking. He had to work really hard day after day with a group of 20 to lead through some extremely crowded areas and with lots of optional trips to lead as well but he did it indefatiguably and with unfailing good humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go well rested in the knowledge you will have time to catch up on sleep after day 2!

David Barker

Reviewed April 2019

Wonderful Country, Wonderful Ride

A challenging ride, for a rating of 3, through the beautiful countryside and coastline of this small part of Africa. Stopping for a few tastings of wonderful wines and visiting many iconic landmarks along the way. Add to this the natural enthusiasm and deep knowledge from the guide and a lovely group of people to share – this really was the most memorable and amazing trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The ride from Simonstown to Cape Town on the last day. The climb through Chapman's Peak, the crystal clear Ocean, the lovely beaches with waves breaking were all amazing - then to finish by cycling past the 12 apostles and ending at the hotel was both inspirational and emotional.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Warren was very knowledgeable, has a deep love of the country and clearly is a very accomplished rider. He went out of his way to accommodate the little things that such a tour inevitably brings (a late request for optional trips, additional sections to ride, additional wine tastings etc) and did this with his full enthusiasm. Thank you for making this a truly memorable holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is relatively hard ride for a rating of 3. This should not put people off as there is full vehicle support, but ensure the training has been done and be prepared to hop on the vehicle at certain times.

Phil Risdale

Reviewed April 2019

There's more to Evia than you might think

A relatively restful week of walking, eating, drinking and learning a lot from a knowledgeable leader (Thanos) in a wonderful location. No walk is too long or taxing, but just enough to engage, but with plenty of rests for snacks and interesting history lectures!
This trip is leisurely because there is no rush and plenty of free time. Also, no early starts!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the abandoned Roman quarry with the marble columns lying around.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos cannot be criticised at all - everything ran smoothly, he is very knowledgeable and a good communicator, supplied an interesting variety of snacks on the walks, took us to a good variety of restaurants every evening, basically looked after everything. He also adapted the itinerary when the weather forecast looked a bit dodgy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be fooled, it will be cool at altitude and in the evenings, so take clothing layers. If you really want to see Athens then add a day before or after the trip - the day trip included will be too rushed for many people's tastes due to time constraints & ferry times. And if you like beer then ask for 'Septem' in the local bars - a locally brewed craft ale.

Alison Brown

Reviewed April 2019

Incredible adventure

Absolutely fantastic trip, amazing chances to see wildlife close up and lie awake at night trying to identify the animal noises and how close by they could be!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all incredible. The Mokoro rides were so serene and otherworldly. Watching hippo from them was something I will never forget. The safari walks were expertly guided by a man with just a stick and it was an absolute privilege to be able to walk and see zebra, buffalo, giraffes, elephants and so much more in their natural environment. In the 4x4s we were able to get up close to animals and spent 2 hours watching 2 cheetah brothers chilling out under a tree. We were also blessed to see a young leopard and spend time watching her eat and sleep. Parking close to lions eating a wildebeest was incredible, though those of us on the nearer side of the truck had years scared off our lives when another closer male lion went a bit vocal with his lioness which none of us were expecting! Seeing baby elephants, elephants playing in the water and spraying dust everywhere was just incredible. Giraffes fighting, hippos "smiling" and laughing, ostriches running, jackals stretching, zebras dazzling and eagles soaring were just some highlights. But, really, every day was a highlight bringing new fabulous sights and experiences and the whole trip was truly inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kenny - chilled and laid back. A good sense of humour and fantastic knowledge of birds and animals. He has a real passion for his job and the wildlife he sees

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring sandals for mokoro (in case you have to get out) and 4x4 (cooler) wear neutral coloured long sleeves and trousers for walks to protect from thorns Up before the sun and in bed by sunset. Only the very bravest will want to visit the bushy bushy at night (women bring she-wee and bottle if you need to) Once you are in your tent at night you are advised not to use your head torch so be tidy and prepare things when it's light to avoid scrambling in the dark Bring cards and gamble freely with seed pods and sticks! Dobble also good fun Bring imperial mints, werthers originals and foxes mints to share in truck. Jelly babies will not survive the heat, neither will minstrels sadly!! Write down what you see every day as the days are so packed that it's hard to remember everything by the end of the trip Buy a good camera with a good zoom (it's so worth it!!). Then make friends with person on trip who can show you how to use it! There are no doors on the truck, you will have to be able to climb up the sides and swing your legs over to get in and out - be prepared to scramble This is a camping trip - it is basic and you have to make the best of what there is on site. Do not expect to be able to walk outside the camp when wild camping. Opportunities to stretch your legs are limited to getting on and off the truck. Listen to your guides. This is a wildlife trip and there will be wild animals poking about the camp site at night (honey badgers, hyena, elephants) and possibly during the day (elephants!!). Be sensible and try to appreciate the experience once the abject terror of having been woken by a noise settles down!!

Tracey Gwinnell

Reviewed April 2019

Wonderful Amalfi Coast

A thoroughly enjoyable trip spent visiting the spectacular Amalfi Coast. We stayed in a lovely family run hotel where the staff were great and really helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the amazing Path of the God's was the highlight of the trip, spectacular scenery and a fantastic barbecue lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Eduardo was extremely knowledgeable and good fun. He was always in good humour and very passionate about his homeland.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try a Limoncello Spritzer.

Erica Brown

Reviewed April 2019

Loved it!

This was an excellent tour. We packed a lot in but the pace never felt too much. It was a really good mix of culture, history and activity.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip in Ha Long bay is stunning, though the bay itself suffers from the 21st century blight of plastic and rubbish at high tide. The cycle trips were a lovely relaxing way to see the countryside; easy paced.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide - Mr Q - was absolutely brilliant, knowledgable and efficient. His advice was always sound and we felt well looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We learned so much about the history of Vietnam - much of it brutal - and its worth knowing that the 'Hanoi Hilton' and the museum in Saigon display some pretty graphic and upsetting images - so be warned.

Ruth Davies

Reviewed April 2019

Loving Costa Rica

A fabulous tour with a brilliant guide, great scenery and wildlife. Thank you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the 3 toed sloth coming down trees and vines very close to us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He is wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good alarm clock to get up at 5am to see the wildlife busy with breakfast.

Cheryl Morris

Reviewed April 2019

Go there!

When I told friends I was going to Albania, the most common response was “why?”. Albania is relatively new to tourism so it’s a great time to explore the country. The locals are curious to get to know us which is a rarity in Europe. Albania doesn’t have really show stopping sights but there are a number of significant highlights which hold your interest throughout and make this a fascinating trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are several sites of archaeological interest such as Apollonia and Butrint, with some lesser known sites that our guide squeezed into the trip. These sites are often still being excavated and are not commercialised in any way. Kruje is a jewel of a town, clutching to the side of the mountains with fantastic views over the valley below. Gjirokaster is not looking its best at the moment as they are currently replacing all the cobbles in the town but you can tell it will be spectacular once completed - lots of little old wooden buildings clustered underneath the castle on a steep mountainside. The coast is stunning, particularly the coastline facing Corfu - white sands, turquoise seas. There are also beautiful lakes and rivers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eddy was extremely knowledgeable and so enthusiastic. He took good care of everyone and did his best to give us the best possible holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You change hotel every night bar one on this trip so travel light. It may look like there's a lot of driving but each leg of the journey seemed fairly short with frequent coffee or point of interest stops so I never felt restless. It's an incredibly cheap place to visit - you can get a beer for just over one pound, lunch for a couple of pounds and, even pushing the boat out, it's hard to spend more than a tenner. The only "expensive" item on menus is chicken (!) but red meat is much cheaper. There are plenty of tasty vegetarian options too. The guide needs around 1,500 Lek for the kitty, just over a tenner. We went on the first departure of the year and it was quite cold in the mountains so make sure you bring some warm clothes for the departures outside of the summer season. Albania is a land of very slippery and steep pavement surfaces so shoes with good grip are recommended.

Gillian Gould

Reviewed April 2019