Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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14245 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Jonathan Wadsworth
Reviewed June 2023
Fabulous Tour of the Baltics
I’m sitting on our return flight, reflecting on our Exodus cycling tour of the Baltic – I believe it was probably the best cycle trip we’ve had so far. Why? For me, these tours are a way of immersing myself in the culture, the folklore and the history of the countries we visit – as well as finding out “up-to-date” information on topical issues ranging from Ukraine and Russia, politics, economics – right up to today’s take on technology, education and culture – all washed down with some fabulous authentic local food and beverages. This trip primarily hit the mark because our guide Andreas was unbelievably knowledgeable, intelligent and bang up to date with everything – be it the best brew or the latest technological trends. Andreas‘ humour kept the entire team motivated and amused, thus ensuring that we all had an excellent trip. Andreas always ensured everyone was happy – be it having all the detailed information they wanted (on whatever they needed), selecting the best cuisine in a remote cafe or ensuring they enjoyed the right beer (there are literally dozens of delicious Baltic ales from which to choose). My knowledge of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is greatly improved for which I thank Andreas. From the holiday “logistics” view point, we had an excellent driver, good sound bikes, great local food and, I’m my opinion, the cycling was the right level/distance for what we wanted to achieve. We shall definitely visit again.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling on the sand of the beach and the chilling feeling walking around a Cold War nuclear bunker.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andreas was unbelievably knowledgeable, intelligent and bang up to date with everything - be it the best brew or the latest technological trends. Andreas‘ humour kept the entire team motivated and amused, thus ensuring that we all had an excellent trip. Andreas always ensured everyone was happy - be it having all the detailed information they wanted (on whatever they needed), selecting the best cuisine in a remote cafe or ensuring they enjoyed the right beer (there are literally dozens of delicious Baltic ales from which to choose).
Malcolm Roisin
Reviewed June 2023
PERU !
Wow where do I start ?! Having just returned from a 3-week Peru Explorer trip (APX230521) I suppose my first thoughts would be about the size and scale of Peru, the sheer variety, the colours, the smells. The landscape is one of extreme contrasts from arid desert flanked by the Pacific, to vast empty looking scrub in the highlands dotted with the occasional vicuña or alpaca (or volcano), to small fields of crops on the edge of towering mountains and plunging canyons, to steamy jungle with the snow-capped peaks of the Andes in the distance. The sweeping scenery changes steadily as you drive through it – just be prepared for a number of long days on the road.. Exodus list this trip as a 2 out of 7 – Leisurely/Moderate activity level. This is not the case. The distances, the roads, the “standard” early starts – the alarm was usually set for 5:00am – and the altitude made this considerably more arduous. (This rating should be reconsidered I suggest). As you might expect Peru’s cities are noisy bustling places – often choked by traffic – Lima being a case in point. Getting around takes time. This trip actually spends little time in the capital. If you can spare half a day (ie. on Day 2 before the city tour) I would urge you to devote an hour or two to the Museo Larco as we did. This houses a spectacular collection – www.museolarco.org/en/ Arequipa and Cusco were both fascinating, Cusco seemed especially vibrant as the locals prepared for the big festival with music and dancing from the young and not so young ! As one who did the Inca Trail, I actually had little time in Cusco (initially arrived late in the evening from Puno, then away at 5:00am the next morning ..) Whether the itinerary was changed a year or two back (so I was told ?) it might work better if the Day 17 tour of Cusco and Sacsayhuaman were brought forward to Day 12. I would also be tempted to drop one of two of the smaller Inca sites on this day to allow more time in Cusco itself. The actual Inca Trail was well organised and well run with a very experienced guide – but be warned. The cold at night (I found it odd that my “4-season” sleeping bag didn’t seem to keep the cold out), then the heat once the sun rises and the altitude can make this hard work .. but the scenery was again a complete delight. Those porters work really hard for what they get. Set in all this are the various historical and archaeological sites – these do not disappoint ! The view of Machu Picchu really is stupendous and the site visit fascinating – despite the crowds and the various limitations imposed on visitors, fixed itineraries for example. (Be aware that those who opt to do the Inca Trail have to follow a different route to those who do not trek. My wife and I were there on the same day – but had to visit separately). Wiñay Wayna and Sayajmarca (for those trekking) are also spectacular locations – again set on steep mountainsides. From start to finish our whole trip ran calmly and smoothly, controlled quietly by our experienced leader Raul – despite running into the odd problem with roadworks/traffic and with changes of drivers/vehicles. His attention to detail and to the personal needs of his group was excellent. My wide became quite ill – he did everything to help her. This made all the difference to her trip. Thank you Raul. One further comment, about money. Yes, ATM’s are readily available in the cities however – the withdrawal maximum can be rather limiting (400Sols so 85 quid give or take). Bear in mind also that the Peruvian bank charges a fee for using their hole in the wall, normally something like PENS 36.00. It can be less, but for a smaller withdrawal total.. People might want to consider taking some Sols into Peru from the start. Over 3 weeks our Peru Explorer trip involved many wonderful places and many amazing people – both guides and locals. Despite some of the news coming out of Peru this year and despite a 3-year delay (we had booked originally to go in 2020 ..) the dream finally came true, a dream since childhood for some of us.. PS: the Café Manos Unidas mentioned towards the end of the Trip Notes should be removed. When we asked about it, we were told this worthy training initiative had stopped during Covid ..
Most Inspirational Moment
See above
Thoughts on Group Leader
See above
Advice for Potential Travellers
See above
Sandra S
Reviewed June 2023
The most wonderful time in a mesmerising country
From the moment of booking the trip to arriving back to London everything was a super organised. When we arrived in Amman we were greeted by an Exodus representative, who helped us through security and took us to the taxis. The first hotel gave a great indication of what ‘Active Jordan in style’ will mean. Our hotels and accommodation were of a high standard. The huds in the Ajloun Forest Reserve were basic but nice. On our first morning Ab, our guide, gave us an overview on what to expect for the next 7 days. It was the beginning of the most wonderful week. I cannot imagine a better way of experiencing Jordan. We had a great mixture of sightseeing and activities to enjoy & experience the richness of Jordan: Jaresh, Aljoun Forest, Mount Nebu, Petra, Wadi Rum, Red Sea, Dana, Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib. Our driver Sami and guide Ab made sure we arrived safely and felt cared for at any point.
Most Inspirational Moment
The 24hrs in the desert with the 4h jeep trip and staying in the Saraya Rum Resort in Wadi Rum.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abdullah was THE best. We could not have asked for a better guide. Ab made sure we paid the correct price. In one of the restaurants there was a misunderstanding but Ab got us all a refund. He was going above and beyond.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take toilet paper as in some facilities it was not provided.
Fiona Stewart
Reviewed June 2023
A great experience!
This was my third cycling trip with Exodus but the first one that is more or less hotel-to-hotel cycling, with only a bus transfer at the end to get to Lisbon. I loved that the focus was very much on cycling (as opposed to other trips that combine the cycling with lots of sightseeing) and the pace was nice and relaxed. I’m a pretty fit 40-year-old and, yes, I could’ve cycled faster and further and I still would’ve enjoyed it but for an active holiday that’s not super-strenuous this was perfect. Since I loved the cycling so much I found the beginning of the tour in Porto and the end of the tour in Lisbon to be the least enjoyable. In fact, I think it would be better if the final day was a choice between a day trip to Lisbon for those who want it or an additional day’s cycling around Óbidos. Most of us signed up for a walking tour in Lisbon, organised for us by our cycling tour leader, but for me this was definitely the most disappointing part of the whole trip since the guide just wasn’t very good. In general, we were all left to our own devices in Lisbon and somehow it felt like an anticlimax after the five days’ cycling togather. However, there were plenty of other positive points – the accomodation was of a very good standard and all the hotel breakfasts were delicious, the bikes were pretty good, and the cycling routes were a lovely mixture of coastal roads and forest paths.
Most Inspirational Moment
The reward of the beautiful view at the top of THE hill on day 3 made the physical effort well worth it. The food was also really good everywhere we went (if you like fish!)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Cristóvão was the best! He and van driver/mechanic João worked really well together, they were super-organised and seemed to have thought of absolutely everything so that our trip went really smoothly. Cristóvão seems like a natural tour leader; he's really enthusiastic, fun, warm and friendly, and knows a lot about the history and culture of the areas we visited. Cristóvão and João even found the time to teach me some basic Portuguese since I said I wanted to learn a little during the holiday - they were so kind and patient with me, thank you!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Learning how to order coffee or tea in Portuguese is definitely worthwhile. It took me three days to figure out that the kind of cofee I usually drink - known as 'cortado' in Spain or 'macchiato' in Italy - is 'pingado' in Portugal. Don't be surprised if you can't pay by card everywhere you go, especially for small amounts such as a couple of beers - make sure you have plenty of cash. Finally, don't be conned by the Lisbon hotel's offer of an airport transfer for 20EUR, since you can get a normal taxi out on the street for only 10EUR!
Claire L
Reviewed June 2023
The best holiday…
The best holiday, in the best country with the best group and the best guide. Arjan and Bato are the best team. So much kindness, patience and generosity. The cycling was quite challenging at times but the support was excellent. Albania is a beautiful country and cycling through the countryside and along the coast is a great way to see it at its best. Arjan is very knowledgeable and shared with us his passion for his country. The food was often delicious, with fabulous salads and fish but at its best when Arjan ordered sharing plates for the group. I would return in a heartbeat to enjoy the generous hospitality of warm and friendly Albanians.
Stewart Halkett
Reviewed June 2023
Iceland Adventure
I had researched about Iceland and the places to be visited but had not anticipated the scale of the island and the grandeur of the scenery. The weather was not as rainy as was forecast but it was windier than I expected, the weather suited the landscape and the experiences on the trip. Our guide was excellent – full of information and stories – never a dull moment.
Most Inspirational Moment
The volcanic geology and associated landscape and the glaciers. These showed the power of nature and that people settling and living in Iceland have had to adapt to the environment and make use of it where possible, but not conquer it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was excellent. He was full of information about Iceland and its people, I learnt as much about modern day Iceland as I did about the the attractions summarised in the Trip Notes. He was resourceful, adaptable, humorous and looked after the group and individuals.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for any weather, the group motto was have layers of good clothing, some days were warm, most days were cloudy, it was windy most days. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, walks were usually short but often on uneven ground and there were some steep steps. The food was very good and catered well for vegetarians, restaurants were also very accommodating for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Iceland is bigger than I expected so be prepared for long journeys in the bus. Accommodation was different each night on this trip but the standard of food, customer service and was good throughout.
David Arnold
Reviewed June 2023
Stunning architecture
95% of the mausoleums, pishtaqs and madrasahs, though built many hundreds of years ago, are subject to very frequent maintenance and in some cases rebuilding. As such they look like new! There are a few ruins but these are mainly to be found in the desert.
Most Inspirational Moment
Gur-i Amir at night in Samarkand
Thoughts on Group Leader
Encyclopaedic knowledge of the country and it's history.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As with any tour the local agency make changes to the itinerary. In this case the camel ride (Day 8) was just 10-15 minutes shortly after we arrived at the Yurt camp (Day 7). The trip notes highlight a 10 to 11 hour drive on bad roads (Day 4) but it doesn't advertise the 6 hour drive under similar conditions on Day 8. Unfortunately the vehicle used throughout did not have suitable air-con so in the 38-40C we all struggled a bit. Day 10 "we have a farewell dinner..." states the trip notes. If you want a farewell dinner you have to arrange it yourself as the local company doesn't do it. Having said that after the journey from Samarkand to Tashkent you arrive back at the hotel at 20:45 and several did not want to eat at that hour knowing we had an early start for the airport the next day.
Caroline A
Reviewed June 2023
Portugal: Walking & Wine - Premium
The organisation and support from the leaders Carla and Fernando was superb, could not be faulted, they went over and above and made the trip. The locations were very well chosen and an excellent mix of walking, wine and port tasting and culture and information.
Most Inspirational Moment
The mountains, the walks, the group and the leaders
Thoughts on Group Leader
Carla was excellent. She was very well informed in all areas of the history and local knowledge of the area, fauna and flora etc. She worked tirelessly to make all members of group feel included and supported. Travelling as a single person, albeit with friends, this was very important to me. We felt very much part of the Costa family, and Carla went over and above to make our trip the best it could be. Her communication skills and English were very good indeed. If all leaders were this good I would travel with Exodus again. She is a valuable asset to your company.
Dani C
Reviewed June 2023
Spectacular
This is a wonderful and magical trip from start to finish with a great mix of culture, hiking, delicious food, welcoming people and breath-taking beauty of the landscape and archaeological sites.
Most Inspirational Moment
Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abdullah is absolutely fantastic. He shared his exceptional knowledge of the sites, their history and significance and answered all our questions. Always attentive and well organised, a kind and patient host. Thank You Ab!
David Tooth
Reviewed June 2023
Tough but highly enjoyable trek
Blessed with bright sunshine and little wind we were able to laze at the summit enjoying the amazing views. Up is hard, especially with minimal time to get used to the altitude….but down is a LONG way on often-skiddy paths, and we were very happy to get to our lovely hotel at the end of the descent.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ismail did a great job - was very patient with us as we pottered gently up and down
Advice for Potential Travellers
Refuge isn't as basic as you might fear. Guides provided bottled water so we didn't need to gather it from streams or other uncertain sources. Bring a really good head torch for the ascent - you'll be in the dark for at least an hour. Do some work on knee strength to aid confidence on the long descent.
