Most Inspirational Moment
View from Aguille de Midi
Thoughts on Group Leader
Superb
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take walking poles and good footwear
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.
Select a trip specific review:
Reviews
A week walking in the Alps
A lovely week walking in the French Alps, based in a chalet in CHAMONIX. Great food, scenery and exhilarating walks led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
Ran out of superlatives!
A demanding trip with lots of early mornings and long journeys, but rewarded many times over by the stunning scenery that we experienced. Maybe would be worth considering a rest day mid trip for those of us who do not have endless stamina.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Monument Valley at sunset.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was excellent...well organised and efficient and very helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the trip is labelled Leisurely/ Moderate in terms of fitness required, to fully experience the places visited I would suggest you need a good level of fitness.
A fabulous adventure
What an amazing adventure this turned out to be. This 14 day trip covered 1300 miles through different landscapes, stopping off along the way and learning about this diverse country. Fez Medina was like stepping back in time with the narrow streets in the souk lined with stalls and donkeys transporting their wares around them. The tanneries were another glimpse into a bygone age. The Roman town of Volubilis was a revelation and the guide was superb. The Sahara experience is one I’ll never forget. Moving on we stayed at Kasbah Oliver in the High Atlas Mountains and had a glimpse into how remote some villages are. We had a really pleasant hike from Kasbah Oliver along a path used by locals starting in the cool of the morning and an unforgettable experience in the local small hammam. Our holiday happened to coincide with a large music festival in Essaouira which added to our experience, although sadly we were unable to stay in the Medina.
Most Inspirational Moment
If I had to pick one inspirational moment it would have to be sitting on the top of a sand dune in silence watching the sun rise over the Sahara. Truly unforgettable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was Youssef and Mohammad our driver. Everything Youssef organised was with the group in mind and extremely punctual. On long trips lunch time food was preordered to save time in restaurants. The suggested places to eat at night were always very good. A few occasions we were told it was possible to purchase alcohol and that the venue we were staying would happily refrigerate beers/soft drinks or wine for us. Youssef would always help find an ATM or money exchange if requested. Overall he was a very thoughtful helpful member of the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There are some pieces of advise I wish I had had: 1. Some of my fellow travellers changed money at the airport and were talked into putting some money onto a card to draw out at ATM’s ….what they didn’t realise until too late was the £30 charge for doing so. As ATM’s are plentiful and also money exchanges there is no need to change money at the airport if you have a prepaid transfer booked. If you are staying at the Hotel Gossassine there is an ATM 200yds from the hotel and a money exchange a further 50yds on. (There is also a Carrefour supermarket located in the basement :100yds from the hotel in a shopping Mall) 2. I wasn’t sure what clothing to take, especially as Morocco is a Muslim country: I erred on the conservative side taking mostly long sleeved tops and longer knee length shorts. You actually only need to cover up when visiting The Hassan 11 Mosque. When in the seaside town of Essaouira there is a beach with people wearing swimming costumes…it had a much more relaxed feel. If I went again I would take more of a mixture of sleeveless/sleeved tops and trousers/shorts for June travel. 3. We stopped at potteries/argon oil/herbalists etc which were very interesting but were on the expensive side, however it was hard to tell if we would see the items for sale elsewhere…. I can tell you with experience that you will. There are good shopping opportunities in the seaside place of Essaouira and back in Marrakech on the final days. I just wish I had known that!
Sun, sea and monuments
This tour was a comprehensive introduction to some of the sites of ancient Greece, but also included Mystras, a Byzantine town and Meteora, a spectacular landscape with monasteries perched on top of huge rocks. I would personally have benefitted more from what I saw if I’d read up some information in advance. Lida, the guide was excellent, and she gave a lot of useful information about the sites and the mythology and history behind the sites and the history and mythology about them. The hotels were generally good quality though the Rex Hotel in Naufplio was a little tired decor wise. The Nidimos hotel in Delphi village had the best views! There was plenty to eat, of variable quality. The restaurant for the evening meal in Pylos was not very good; the booked group table was given to others, service was glacially slow and the food uninspiring.
Most Inspirational Moment
Highlights were: The unexpected sites of Mystras, ancient Messene and Meteora. The small towns of Pylos and Naufplio The ferry ride from Patras back to the mainland
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lida was an excellent group leader, sociable, friendly and always ready to answer questions. She looked after the group very well and was very helpful. Grigoris the driver was also excellent, and drove the minibus smoothly and safely.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There was not a great deal of 'free time'; one afternoon in Olympia was free of any activity. We often seemed to arrive late afternoon/early evening. The last day from Meteora to Athens airport was very long, though there were stops. It is a very 'packed' tour with much to see; it was hard to take in all the information about the places visited. So maybe read up ia little n advance! It is not strictly speaking an archeological tour; the tour leader was not an expert (this is not a criticism).
The Moonstone Trek
I felt safe and looked after, the trip was well organised and our guide was brilliant!
Most Inspirational Moment
all of it; it was a great variety of walking and scenery
Thoughts on Group Leader
Smithy was an excellent leader. His knowledge extended beyond just the history. He was able to highlight fauna and flora. He showed such a depth of knowledge of Peru, the Inca's etc and his love and pride in his country shone through. Smithy was active in sorting out issues quickly (such as when we had a train cancellation he used his relationships with the train staff to bump us onto a different train). He was engaging and socialised with us all. I felt safe and well informed with Smithy. In my view he is a top rate Tour Guide
Three Baltic Capitals plus so much more.
As other reviewers have said, this is an excellent trip that not only travels to the three capitals but includes other interesting places, such as the university town of Tartu, the eerie Hill of Crosses and the wildness of the Curonian Spit. Each of the tour guides explained the history of each location in a succinct style and the contrast between the capitals. (Medieval Tallinn, Art Nouveau Riga and Baroque Vilnius.) We were fortunate to visit Riga at the time of their Midsummer Festival, which was an added bonus. Plus a Jazz Festival in Klaipeda.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many. The Maritime History museums in Tallinn. The serenity of the National Parks in all three countries (Lahemaa, Gauja & Curonian Spit.) Plus the chilling Cold War Museum in Plokstine Forest and the KGB Museum in Vilnius.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Yevgeniya was a very knowledgable guide with over 30 years experience. Her knowledge of both ancient and modern history was extensive. It could occasionally be more than we could take in, especially on the longer coach journeys. A more succinct style would have been welcomed on these longer journeys.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the pace of the trip can be brisk at times, ensure you maximise your opportunities to visit the excellent museums. Especially the Maritime Museum in Tallinn, the Art Nouveau Museum in Riga and the KGB Museum in Vilnius. And do try the local food and drink.
Three Baltic Capitals plus so much more.
As other reviewers have said, this is an excellent trip that not only travels to the three capitals but includes other interesting places, such as the university town of Tartu, the eerie Hill of Crosses and the wildness of the Curonian Spit. Each of the tour guides explained the history of each location in a succinct style and the contrast between the capitals. (Medieval Tallinn, Art Nouveau Riga and Baroque Vilnius.) We were fortunate to visit Riga at the time of their Midsummer Festival, which was an added bonus. Plus a Jazz Festival in Klaipeda.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many. The Maritime History museums in Tallinn. The serenity of the National Parks in all three countries (Lahemaa, Gauja & Curonian Spit.) Plus the chilling Cold War Museum in Plokstine Forest and the KGB Museum in Vilnius.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Yevgeniya was a very knowledgable guide with over 30 years experience. Her knowledge of both ancient and modern history was extensive. It could occasionally be more than we could take in, especially on the longer coach journeys. A more succinct style would have been welcomed on these longer journeys.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the pace of the trip can be brisk at times, ensure you maximise your opportunities to visit the excellent museums. Especially the Maritime Museum in Tallinn, the Art Nouveau Museum in Riga and the KGB Museum in Vilnius. And do try the local food and drink.
Amazing variety & opportunity to see Big 5
The organisation from Exodus was first class, they were quick to answer any questions prior to the holiday. This trip includes a lot of travelling, but that offers a wide variety of experience and a fantastic opportunity to see numerous animals. We were very fortunate to see all of the big 5, including witnessing a Cheetah hunt an Impala through to capturing it. There were numerous animals which were within a couple of metres of our vehicles/boats. The staff were amazing and very knowledgeable instilling great confidence in us. We would particularly like to thank our Group Leader Adonia and Driver Sofiso, who both went above and beyond their standard duties to ensure our group had the best experience possible.
Most Inspirational Moment
Camping in the Delta gave us a first hand insight into the lives of the Polers, as well as bring us face to face with nature. We were able to witness lions and elephants in action, not just standing, but the highlight of the Safari was having the opportunity to watch a Cheetah hunt an Impala through to capture.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Group Leader Adonia, was fantastic. He was very approachable, extremely knowledgeable and nothing was too much for him to do to make our Group’s holiday unforgettable.
Fantastic holiday
Fantastic holiday! The group was great and fun despite the age gap. the tour leader Lukas was very knowledgeable, competent and fun!
Excellent trip (TDS 230617)
An excellent reminder of the beauty and contrasts of Andalucia. Each day is different. Based at the lovely Cortijo made everything so easy. Simple but comfortable rooms, a lovely small pool at the end of each day and the friendliest service from Joke and Cartouche. They create a relaxed but efficient mood – and top quality food at the end of each day. But the biggest credit goes to Michael – undoubtedly the best guide I have experienced. The schedule means there is always time to relax in the pool followed by a drink before dinner.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many great moments. Walking the Caminito way, spotting birds of prey and ibex high in the Grazalema national park, the Alcazar in Seville followed by rooftop cocktails, relaxed evenings over dinner on the terrace....
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michael Newcomb is exceptional. HIs knowledge of the region is exemplary - he gave us just the right amount of information on the culture, farming, birdlife, geography, food, and so much more. He is absolutely professional and his long experience of guiding mixed groups meant he was able to keep us interested and on track, giving us flexibility whilst ensuring we stuck to the schedule. He's also good fun. For our free time, he prepared notes and sent links to places to visit as well as pre-booking things for us so everything felt very easy. It's possible to drift through the week without having to make a decision about anything except what to get from the (well stocked) honesty bar in the Cortijo.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go. Worth every moment. Listen to Michael (especially around how much water to carry!) and you'll have a fantastic time. This was a level 2 holiday and the grade is about right for the trip. You can get away with good walking trainers on most days but light weight walking boots are best on a couple of trickier bits of terrain.