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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14246 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Trish England

Reviewed June 2023

Fabulous

What a great way to explore the south of Croatia. Starting at Split and then island hopping to Hvar, Korcular and Mljet and ending up in Dubrovnik. Stunning scenery, good food and a great group to share the trip with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having not visited Croatia before I didn’t realise that there were so many islands and the ones we visited were beautiful. The coastal rides were fabulous and dramatic especially on the last day riding through vineyards, olive oil groves and quiet villages. The small historic settlement of Ston was very interesting short stop on the way to Dubrovnik. For me Dubrovnik was an incredible place, Hotel a short bus ride into the city but if you wanted to sit by the beach and relax the hotel was only a few hundred metres from the sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mate was a super guy. Very efficient, observant, organised, nothing too much trouble and made the trip a relaxed one. Pacing was good and you could go ahead if the roads allow. Each day was well organised especially when we had ferries to catch, water and snacks provided on some days, when and where to break and meet up with Tommy the driver of the bus and trailer. Mate very knowledgeable of his country and a great ambassador for Exodus and Croatia.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are undulations along the route but the ups give great downs!! But Tommy with the bus was always there if you need him. The optional trip to Mljet is worth it.

Rob Ashley

Reviewed June 2023

Great cycling trip

Our first time visiting Greece and it did not disappoint. The scenery was beautiful. The weather excellent and our fellow travellers were great company. The food was delicious, with plenty of choice. The hotels were clean and comfortable. Our guides were awesome and looked after us incredibly well.

Most Inspirational Moment

This happened on the last but one night on our trip. Earlier in the day we’d been wine tasting and Dimitris had taken great care to ask us which were our favourite wines. On our way to dinner we were taken to a jetty to watch the sunset, and with a flourish, bottles of the most popular wines were produced for us to enjoy. We were all encouraged (if we wanted to) to stand up and say a few words about what we’d enjoyed, learned or been surprised by on the trip. It was a lovely idea, and I think we all enjoyed the moment (and the wine!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were Niovi Stasinou & Dimitris Gotsis, with Niovi leading the cycling and sorting out the many bike maintenance issues and Dimitris driving the support vehicle and doing the shopping for our delicious lunches they both prepared. Niovi led the cycling at a very sensible pace. She was very diligent with regards to our safety and made us aware of how she expected us to cycle on the busier roads. She kept us safe, and we also had Dimitris providing cover at the back of the line. They were constantly in contact with each other, providing feedback if anyone was slowing down at the back of the line. They also stopped the traffic at busier junctions, to allow us safe crossing. I was a little apprehensive about the promised picnic lunches, but they were beautifully presented and were absolutely delicious. The choice of evening restaurants were also first class. It was lovely that they both always joined us for our evening meal, although they didn’t really sit still and relax and were constantly on the move, sorting out what we would be eating, explaining the drinks menu and generally looking after us, and we were a full group of 16. They were great fun, friendly, informative and were excellent ambassadors for Exodus and Greece. We loved spending time with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling was not too demanding. There were some good up hills and some very steep descents where great care needed to be taken. The weather was beautiful and very warm at times, so be prepared for that. We were provided with frequent water stops to keep us hydrated in the heat. We also had stops for snacks. Don’t be afraid to do this trip as there was absolutely no pressure to cycle at a fast pace.

Penny Metcalfe

Reviewed June 2023

Brilliant trip

This was a brilliant trip. Short walks with a fair amount of up and down through rolling hills, but nothing difficult, though if it’s hot, as it was for the week I did it, it can be a bit taxing. The hotel was lovely, by the river, close to the centre of town with a variety of restaurants and bars nearby, including two just a few steps away across the rear courtyard. The programme was varied with as much emphasis on the prosecco as the walking. In fact, I have found myself describing it to friends as a wine tour with some walking attached.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views especially with a glass of prosecco in hand. By chance, we were a group of 10 all women which in itself was fairly inspirational as between us we had most professional bases covered and discussion was frequently lively and interesting. The prosecco dispensing machine on top of a hill was an inspired piece of kit. You'll have to go to see what I mean.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania is amazing- enthusiastic, motivational, full of fun, with excellent English. Nothing was too much trouble and she was even available on the day off to help if we needed it. Her outstanding moment for me was running back down a hill and up again in a village to get my hat which I'd left on the table in a bar, in full sunshine and heat. And her producing a bottle of prosecco from her rucksack on Monte Cesen to celebrate reaching the highest point of the walking. She also offered help after the end of the week when we'd finished the tour, when I had a problem with my hotel in Venice.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles are handy for some of the looser steeper sections. On the day off, it takes 20-30 minutes to get to Conegliano by bus from the main square and then there are trains to Venice and Padua.

Geoff McCormack

Reviewed May 2023

The tour guide from hell

Please refer to Charle Waterworth who is our group contact with Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

As above

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above

Advice for Potential Travellers

As above

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Mr McCormack for taking the time to leave a review, although we are genuinely sorry that he was so disappointed with the performance of his tour leader, particularly as this is not reflective of the many positive reviews we receive about our tour leaders on this trip. We are in direct correspondence with Mr McCormack and are hopeful we will be able to resolve his concerns amicably.

Lee Brooks

Reviewed May 2023

A Fabulous Week in Tuscany

A fantastic week in Tuscany, the family who ran the Agriturismo were delightful and could not be more friendly, considerate and helpful. The accommodation is fairly basic,but clean and comfortable (as expected). We were worried prior to the trip about the weather, but it turned out to be sunny most of the week! The itinery was just amazing, varied and with some quite incredible walks; especially the last day hiking up Monte Sumbra – unforgetable! The walking group was a great cross section of people, and many laughs were had over the week…..all I can say is it is a ‘must do’ trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, as each day's hiking had something special. Taking aside it was a walking holiday, the people, as in the guide Sara, the Italian family and the people in the group were just wonderful, to meet so many nice people was just a privilege!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is by far the best guide we have ever had, and my wife and I have completed several hiking Tours. Her personality, knowledge, experience, care, attention to detail, stories and sense of humour made the whole trip extra special. ....quite literally, an amazing lady! Sara even offers 'Reiki', which my wife undertook, although I am a sceptic, she came away from the session enlivened and inspired! Well done Sara, I hope our paths cross again some day?

Paul Gibson

Reviewed May 2023

Well organised as ever 13/05/2023

Thoroughly enjoyable and well organised as ever. Marvellous countryside with great walking, strenuous but not too hard. Lovely rural setting in the heart of olive growing country in Andalucia, 1 1/2 hr drive from Malaga. Micheal was an excellent guide, well informed and thoughtful about the needs of the group. It’s obviously a trip that’s been run many time as it works like clockwork. Accommodation good but the food not really what I’d have expected. I’d have liked a bit more variation at breakfast and something more locally flavoured in the evening; a choice of food and especially wine would have been appreciated. Transport worked very well.

Tina Wibe

Reviewed May 2023

Amazing vacation!

Hikes along the coastline provided stunning views, coastal breezes, sounds of waves and pristine beaches. Francisco shared his extensive knowledge of the fauna and birds of the region and engaged the group in discussions on the environment. We enjoyed great food and wine and the visits to the Vicentino Vineyard and Junior Jacques Distillery were highlights!

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite moment was seeing two Peregrine Falcons in flight.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both tour guides, Francisco and Ines were amazing! They were professional and knowledgeable and they took the time to get to know each hiker and provided individualized attention in what mattered most to each. A great time was had by all!

Paul Lucey

Reviewed May 2023

Croatia hiking tour

This is an excellent exposure to a lovely country. There is a healthy amount of exertion with beautiful scenery and challenging but not killer hikes. There is enough time to explore a number of the coastal towns, but each could use a full day or two on its own. The island of Brach was such a treat with it’s sleepy, but beautiful resort feel to it. Croatia was a wonderful country with friendly people, exceptionally clean cities and countryside and gorgeous scenery. I had a feel that we were visiting sunny seaside resorts from 60 years ago. I mean that in the best way, as the country does not (yet) have over the top big high rise hotels, with the fast paced scenes and crush of tourists. Lot of families enjoying the waterfront and great walks along promenades overlooking the beach. I loved the exertion of the hikes, but also loved the times to simply relax and wonder through the towns and along the beach. Also I was shocked by the amount of the populace that spoke really good English. If you like a good deal of exertion in a clean, friendly, beautiful country that still has a relatively understated tourist feel this is a great tour. (There are tourists, but in late May it was not a crush of humanity by any means)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Evan was the guide and was exceptional. He had a tremendous sense of humor with great people skills. He was truly knowledgeable about his beloved country and informed us about the history, politics and flora and fauna of Croatia. Again, his humor and graceful motivating kept the group on task and upbeat, and his personality added so much to the enjoyment of the tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a wonderful combination of hiking and time to tour some of the beautiful coastal cities, especially Dubrovnik and Split and the island of Brach. The entire coastal geology is made up of limestone. Because of this, the hiking does have a great deal of loose small rock and scree. Though the uphills were not exceptionally hard they do require a healthy amount of effort and balance. So, not a trip for someone looking for a leisurely hike. It does have beautiful scenery and just the right amount of rewarding exertion.

Martin Jacobs

Reviewed May 2023

Anyone who cares about the planet should put this on their list

I had heard that this was a good trip, and was looking forward to it a lot, but as a veteran of Exodus (this was my eleventh adventure with the company) this Costa Rica excursion managed to far exceed expectations. Costa Rica is an extraordinary and unique country that treasures its natural habitats (and abolished its own army in 1949) but you do need a good guide to unlock its treasures for you, and Jonny Villalobos was the key to making the last two weeks completely unforgettable. Jonny knows EVERYTHING… and is infinitely patient, and understands that a good guide needs to be like the proverbial swan… serene on the surface, while paddling away under the water to make sure everything runs like clockwork. The itinerary is impressive enough, but Jonny had most of the group willingly getting up at 6am every morning to go on his wonderful additional birding hikes… and I’m not even particularly interested in birds. I’m sure that I have learned more about wildlife in the last two weeks than in the entire 63 years that preceded it. Much of the fun of this trip is that most of you will be staring at dense foliage not seeing anything but leaves and vines, only for Jonny to isolate a branch half way up and reveal some perfectly camouflaged creature that you hadn’t even heard of five minutes before. I’ve never said ‘wow’ so many times in my whole life. And where the trip notes said something like ‘the day is yours to explore etc etc’ of course you can do that if you want to, but why would you when you’re going to get so much more by joining in with Jonny’s unique spin on every activity. Of course the real star is the country itself and the extraordinary diversity of landscapes and habitats, from hot and humid tropical rainforest, to chilly atmospheric cloud forests up in the mountains. From rivers whose banks teem with monkeys and birds and lizards to thrilling waterfalls, to an idyllic pacific beach where all that’s missing is a bounty bar or a bottle of Timotei shampoo. Seriously, everyone should give Costa Rica a go if only to appreciate how wonderful our world can be when we look after it, and to give you hope that it is possible to repair at least some of the damage we’ve done to our beautiful planet.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was full of inspirational moments, from watching a Potoo (which is like something out of Harry Potter) cuddling her chick, to an encounter with a playful troupe of wild squirrel monkeys, to a magical trip along the jungle creeks and canals of Tortuguero (a bit like Apocalypse Now but without the psychotic US Army Colonel), to stumbling across a two toed sloth who I swear was giving me the finger.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jonny Villalobos is a super talented guide who made every day an adventure and filled the whole group with enthusiasm for wildlife and his remarkable country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for all weathers - although don't worry too much about rain (rain is what makes the country what it is) - and for early starts. To get the most from this trip you should be prepared to go with the rhythm of the country and the wildlife itself... so get up with the sun (the birds will wake you up anyway) and don't worry about conking out when it gets dark.

Jon Dudley

Reviewed May 2023

Stunning sights, learning of other cultures in Peru, plus a good physical challenge on the Inca Trail.

I’ve been on a number of similar trips but this one beats them all for packing so much into a fortnight whilst immersing us in a fascinating and beautiful country. Aided by perfect weather, like minded travel companions and a guide who relished sharing his love of his country with us, this was a heady cocktail of experiences that will live long in the memory.

Most Inspirational Moment

Almost impossible to pick just one. The jungle dawn, our first view of Machu Picchu and the warmth of our Amantani Island hosts were all highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We couldn't have had a better group leader than Smithy. He kept us up to speed with our energetic calendar, whilst remaining relaxed and jovial. He engendered a great spirit within our little team, ensured we were safe and well at all times and sought expert medical attention in a mountain village when one of us was unwell. His knowledge of and love for his country was second to none. Smithy smoothed our way with local people and services whenever our limited language abilities came into play. It helped that he was well known and had friends everywhere that we travelled! Expert local guides in the rainforest, Cusco and Lake Titicaca all added to our knowledge and understanding of Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully before deciding if this trip is for you. Most of the time is spent at altitudes of 3000 - 4000 meters, which can be a challenge in itself. We were very fortunate with the weather on the Inca Trail, which was warm and dry during the day with great views of the Andes, though rapidly chilling off at night. Walking and camping in the rain might have been an even sterner test and you do need to be equipped for anything weatherwise. I never felt that I was rushed and our guide ensured we had ample opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery and the warm local hospitality. However, be prepared for constant packing and repacking (and some early starts) for the planes, boats, minibuses and train that enabled us to cover so much ground in a relatively short space of time. Other than that, Engage, Absorb and Enjoy!

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