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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Reviews

Reviewed May 2013

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

This trip was everything that I expected and more. The ascent was inspiring alone but I hadn’t anticipated such an intimate glimpse of the Berber people and their villages too. My guide was A1 and the food was fantastic. A great adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without a doubt my most inspirational moment would have to have been the ascent of Mt Toubkal itself. The sense of achievement and the views were both incredible. However, the trek 'upwards' through the Berber villages would have to come a close second. Culturally the trip was quite mind blowing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I was travelling alone so was instantly comforted by the organisation, communication and skill of our guide. He was a Berber and had been guiding trips to the summit of Mt Toubkal and the surrounding areas for over 20 years so had a wealth of knowledge to offer. He took stock of all of our varying abilities and waited, listened and understood, which is really important I think. He was a really decent guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice for this trip would be to not underestimate the effects of Altitude Sickness. Thankfully I wasn't effected by this but some others in my group experienced some symptoms. Also, plan for the extremes of temperature as it can be very hot during the day but freezing during the night. So on both counts, be prepared!

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Reviewed May 2013

CYCLING CUBA

Brilliant holiday… I wish it had gone on twice as long!

Most Inspirational Moment

cycling over crabs.... swimming in the waterfall at Trinidad... cycling through the mountain villages smelling of woodsmoke...drinking mohitos with about three shots of rum in there just because they don't use measures in cuba. ..  ...and Havana .. an inspiration all on its own.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great :)  He had a fantastic sense of humour, he was great company; kind, likeable and funny and looked after us all really well - pretty much all the time. Don't know how he did it to be honest. ..

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget to bring a padded gel seat. You need all the help you can get!  and wear alot of sunscreen.

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Reviewed May 2013

WALKING IN TUSCANY

I enjoyed the challenge, the food, the fresh air. The group was smallish and so the guide had time for everyone. Encouragement and support really made this holiday, as did the ice cream!

Most Inspirational Moment

Being at the top of Tuscany with good weather and a 360 degree view. Being above the tree line. Walking through snow in May. Realising that the ledge paths are as wide as a pavement, thanks to Sarah.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah supported each of us, she was quickly aware of what we could do, even when I didn't think it was possible - those ledges again!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you remember your waterproofs, just in case, don't bother with walking sandals in May.

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Reviewed May 2013

WALKING THE AMALFI COAST

What a lovely week I had walking with three girl friends whom I met for lunch in January in a little tea shop near where we live. On mentioning I was going to walk the Amalfi coast they had all signed up and paid deposits with in 5 days. They too had such a good week that on our return home the question was, where are we going next time? we had good food, good company and the week was well organised. I can highly recommend this adventure to anyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

the views across the med sea and landscape will stay in my head for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was just fantastic. could not fault her.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do go and walk the Amalfi coast. so much history there too.

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Reviewed May 2013

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Brilliant trip in a beautiful part of the world. Top marks for the catering and staff at Hotel Adler too, very well looked after.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views from the Durrakopf are well worth the effort

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl is a real gem- constantly cracking jokes, the trip wouldn't be the same without him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not, on any account, pass up on the opportunity for some kaiserschmarrn.Tyrolean night at the hotel is a lot better than you might expect!

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Reviewed May 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

A magnificent trip! You get truly immersed in Nepalese Himalayan culture. Challenging, steep and gorgeous, I would recommend this trip to anyone adventurous without hesitation. It’s tough, but do-able! Pain is only weakness leaving the body!

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the prayer flags fluttering across the Ama Dablam skyline.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Sukman was excellent. I wouldn't want to trek in the Himalayas again without him leading the group! Every single member of our group was on his radar at all times, and he identified and helped those who were starting to struggle with the first AMS symptoms, probably before they realized. His professionalism and ability to organize such a big, diverse group whilst shouldering such responsibility did not compromise his sense of humour, and this ability to motivate others is probably the main reason that everybody made it to Basecamp and back with a smile on their face.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read these reviews. It's evident on the trip that many don't, but exposing yourself to the advice provided from people who just like you, wanted to trek to Basecamp, can only enhance your trip- even if you choose to ignore the advice, it gives insight into what to expect. Be generous; yes, food costs more higher up- but look at the loads the Sherpas and porters are carrying; look at the tracks you are walking on, and think about how tired you feel on this holiday. Don't be mean spirited and deny the vendors their right to charge a little extra. If you want to get the Exodus yak to drag your stash of home bought goodies up the mountains, then I hope you have fun in your teahouse room being sad that your mars bar is crumbling and broken. Others have commented on this in their reviews too: any unwanted trekking gear/ clothing/ footwear is very, very happily and graciously received at the end of the trip. Exodus have a system in place for this, and their porters make use of these items immediately.

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Reviewed May 2013

MATERA TO PUGLIA RIDE

This was a really enjoyable cycling holiday:  the roads chosen were predominatly little trafficked by cars, the countryside was a lush green, with roadsides and fields covered in masses of wildflowers, the villages and towns presenting aspects ranging from rural tranquility to urban liveliness and architectural interest. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Not a moment, but a few inspirational hours: the spectacular scenery of the Adriatic coast from Santa Maria de Leuca towards Otranto. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele did everything possible - and always with a smile and good humour - to make the holiday a good experience for everyone in the group.  He also ensured that we sampled the special/traditonal dishes of each region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure to take with you a good guide book for the region!

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Gayle Tucker

Reviewed May 2013

Cycling Puglia & Matera

After having completed the Bolzano to Venice tour in 2013 and having enjoyed it immensely with our tour guide (Michele Quaresimin) who was professional and competent) I was disappointed with the local operator and guide on this tour.
There were issues when an accident occurred during the tour which highlighted several problems that could easily have been avoided had the local operator had properly trained staff and an action plan in place that included carrying spare bikes and an adequate repair kit and first aid equipment.
I also found the tour price quite expensive given that it was the accommodation and breakfast only.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sense of achievement for me to complete the tour as I am a not a skilled bike rider.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was kind and lovely although a little shy. As the days went on she became more relaxed within our company. What Sara lacked was inexperience and a knowledge of the towns we were visiting. I have a strong interest in Italy and history, so for someone to read limited information on the towns from her typed up notes, was neither professional nor interesting. I have much higher expectations of a tour leader and when you are paying AUD1700 (approx) I think everyone would agree that a tour guide needs to be professional and have a sound level of local knowledge of the towns the tour is travelling through. Otherwise why have a guide?

Advice for Potential Travellers

Carry your own first aid kit.

Reply from Exodus

I am sorry that Gayle felt her tour leader, Sara, was rather under-prepared for the trip and that an accident on the trip was not handled as well as it could have been. This was Sara’s first tour with Exodus, so we appreciate all feedback that can be used to help with our leader training programme. I have addressed all the issues Gayle raised with both Sara and our local operator, and Sara has received further training which we are confident will ensure that future trips run more smoothly. We would like to assure clients that all leaders on this trip will carry first aid kits at all times and that additional bikes will be carried in the support vehicle in the future.

Marta Marinelli – Product Manager for Italy

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Reviewed May 2013

CYCLING PUGLIA AND MATERA

Lovely villages especially Matera and Otranto.  It was an expensive holiday as there were no lunches/dinners provided.  According to the Exodus write-up you would only need approximately €170 extra to cover the food and drink.  That is ridiculous!

Most Inspirational Moment

Quite dreading the second last day which had a lot of hills, but found it the most enjoyable.  The views cycling along the coast were breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was extremely nice.  Previous cycle tours we have been on the leader pointed out historical points of interest but this didn't happen on this trip.  Having been on a lot of cycling tours with other companies with a group of around 18 there have been 2 guides.  Not everyone has the same pace so it would have been better for the slower group to have a back-up leader.  Also the last cycling day a few of us wanted to stop for lunch but the others wanted to press on to Lecce.  A vote was taken and we lost so had to press on.  It would have been different with 2 leaders. One other criticism re paying for the meals on one occasion approximately half the group left after a meal leaving what they thought they owed.  There was quite a shortfall and the rest of us had to put in a lot of extra money to cover this.  It was brought to the leader's attention the next day but nothing was done about it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Say at extra day beforehand in Matera as it is such a lovely town.  Get a private transfer from the airport and you will arrive much quicker than getting a bus/train.  Have plenty of cash for meals/drinks etc.

Reply from Exodus

Thank you for your valued feedback. I would like to point out that we have changed local operator and leaders for the upcoming departures in 2014. I am confident this change will improve the service and arrangements on the trip.

Marta Marinelli – Trip Manager

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Reviewed May 2013

MATERA TO PUGLIA RIDE

Perfect spring cycling, beautiful scenery, wonderful food

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the caves (sassi) in Matera, cycling through the countryside around Alberobello with fields of red poppies surrounding white trullis and groves of olive trees, the coast ride north of Leuca

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is a really great guide: tireless and always cheerful, he couldn't do enough for us and even went to the trouble of preparing a local dish himself for our lunch at a bar on the beach on the last day. He knew the best places for views along the route and performed a dive from the cliffs into the sea - very impressive! He was also very flexible so we were able to stop at a beach and swim one very hot afternoon instead of continuing to ride.You can't go to Puglia and not try the local foods and he always had recommendations for us. Thanks to his thoughtfulness settling individual bills after meals was also very simple and quick.If anyone didn't want to carry on riding he and the driver Antonio were always ready to load the bike on the roof and never made anyone feel they were being difficult.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bikes are good touring bikes with computer, pannier and a bag with map holder for the handlebars so no need to bring bike backpacks etc. Exodus also provided waterbottles. Bring padded shorts - the roads can be bumpy:-)Try to stay an extra night in Matera at the start - it is well worth it. I also stayed an exta night in Lecce and took the train back to Bari for just €18.You need good sun protection!

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