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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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!
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14294 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Catherine Waters
Reviewed June 2022
regaining confidence
Having had two trips to the Lake District with appalling weather conditions where I struggled with hill climbing and broke my wrist on the first occasion, this Highlights trip has restored my confidence and I will be back for more. Our leader, Jeff, knew exactly how to reassure less confident climbers in the group and by the end of the first day I was relaxed about meeting any challenges in the week ahead. His expert knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area was obvious. The walks were varied, the wildflowers amazing and views of the Alps stunning. Clare and Liz were superb hosts at Chalet Chamonix. Food was excellent and Liz’s home-made cake every afternoon was a particular treat. I had a fabulous holiday. Thank you Exodus!
Peter Rhodes
Reviewed June 2022
A fantastic cycling holiday
This was a very enjoyable cycle tour with a wonderful combination of cycle routes, spectacular scenery, excellent food and beer/wine, history and mythology . The two guides Dimitri S and Dimitri G excelled at making sure everyone was looked after and nothing was too much trouble – from providing vehicle support to explaining Greek history and recommending local wines.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being able to swim in the sea three times in different seas all in the same day. Stopping at the ancient Olympic site at Namea and running the 200m for which everyone received a Laurel garland.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both D1 and D2 were fantastic - knowledgeable, helpful and nothing was too much trouble.
Advice for Potential Travellers
With the combination of cycling, scenery, local cuisine, history and mythology I would definitely recommend this tour. For anyone unsure about the distances or difficulty then hiring an E-bike makes this an achievable and rewarding trip.
John Colverson
Reviewed June 2022
Good for early birds and insomniacs, not recommended for sun-seekers.
This is certainly a trip for wildlife lovers, and on that score it certainly does not disappoint, though a good pair of binoculars is probably more important than a good camera. However, I think marketing this trip as something which can be enjoyed in the rainy season is misleading at best. It doesn’t just rain for a bit then the sun comes out – when it rains it can rain for hours and hours. While we were lucky in that in rained mostly at night on our trip, on a few occasions we were caught in it, and our trip was at the beginning of the rainy season.
The early starts were too early at times, and when you’ve just come on two long flights involving twenty four hours of airports, security checks, passports, flights . . . being told you need to get up for a 6.00am breakfast seems just cruel.
Our tour leader argued that because of the early sunset around 5.30 – 6pm we needed to make the best of the day light, which is a fair point, but our afternoon trips invariable finished well before dinner, so a later breakfast at say 8am would not really have created a problem.
Most Inspirational Moment
The best were the unplanned, like when the traffic stopped because a Boa Constrictor was crossing the road - really! and another time when a two toed sloth had to be rescued from the middle of the road. Another time I had just settled down to drink a Pina Colada at the hotel bar when a monkey casually walked by on the telephone wires above me, like it was just going to the shops. You spend ages trying to see these creatures in the trees, then suddenly there they are in front of you. Watching a flight of scarlet Macaws was also quite special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jonny is very passionate about his country, his is very knowledgeable, and he has a remarkable ability to spot wildlife which was invisible to the rest of us until he points it out.
But he talks too much, and especially when your tired, being stuffed full of information is not fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get good quality anti-mosquito ointment. I took Life Systems 'Expedition Plus insect repellent' and I didn't get bitten once.
Jacqui Cottom
Reviewed June 2022
Very enjoyable
This trip did not disappoint! I had wanted to visit Albania for some time and seeing it on two wheels was the obvious way to enjoy the scenery and surroundings. The people were friendly, the scenery varied and stunning from the mountains to the coast and the added visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint and the National Parks added to the enjoyment. The accommodation was lovely and better than we had had on previous Exodus trips and ranged from hotels on the sea front to rustic homestays. Our guide Arjan was helpful and informative and picked some great places where we could eat luch and dinner with confidence.
We found the cycling quite challenging in parts, especially day 2 when we were just warming up and then day 7 which was a killer but to be honest there wasn’t really an easy day. However, the ups mean that you also get the downs which were hugely enjoyable and worth the climb! We were all encouraged to both the big climbs on the last day. The first one was great once you managed to get out of the town, which was demanding, but then transformed into steep undulations and pretty villages with great views and an excellent long downhill. But the second climb between coffee and lunch up the switchback was quite frankly brutal, especially after the first climb of the day! It was very hot, offered no shade and little in the way of things to see on the way, although the view towards the coast was stunning. I confess to riding some of the way in the bus on that climb and I still got to enjoy the views!! The challenge was rewarding!
However, whatever your cycling ability, it is very doable as a few opted for E-bikes which seemed very sensible on reflection, the better cyclists enjoyed the challenge of completing all the climbs and there is always back up from the bus if you feel tired.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling along the quiet roads and watching the nomadic farmers lead their flocks of sheep, goats and cows across the terrain whilst enjoying the snow capped mountains on each side. Also enjoyed the visit in Gjirokastra to the 18th century Ottoman house followed by dinner in the restaurant at the top of the city with the self closing roof and stunning views!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Arjan was very helpful and kept us all safe by talking us through each step of the journey ahead of the ride and by leading us safely together along the busier roads as we approached our hotels. He organised everything and told us about the history of the country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Know your own ability, opt for e-bikes if you are unsure, don't be afraid to get a ride in the bus if needed and try to get in some practice rides ahead of the trip. Go before it changes too much as it still feels rustic.
Lee Brooks
Reviewed June 2022
Fabulous weeks hiking .....
A wonderfull weeks hiking amongst the most beautiful scenery, Egle (Agi) was a brilliant tour guide and managed the difficulty of varying walking speeds of the group really well. She was also very knowledgable, patient and all round delightful …every day was met with a smile. The host’s at Chalet Chamonix Claire and Liz were also top notch, very helpful, nothing was too much effort, food was great, and even arranged a cake and candles for my wife’s birthday……. and they didnt seem to mind too much when teased about women’s driving!!!! 🙂 ….only slight downside was the chalet, a little tired/old and in much need of some tlc (that is no reflection on Claire or Liz), on a plus it was well situated to walk into the town centre! We were lucky with the varied international group as well, 2 Canadian, 2 Americans, 2 Aussies, 2 Koreans and 3 English; a lot of laughs were had – some great and interesting characters.
Chamonix itself is beautiful, many bars and restaurants to choose from and some great cable rides ‘Aguille du Midi’ and ‘Brevent’ in particular. We chose to book paragliding, if your ever going to do it …..there is nowhere better.
This was our third Exodus trip, and can never fault them; we have already booked Tuscany for next year ….bring it on!
Jonathan Dusheiko
Reviewed June 2022
Cycling past the cypress trees
Very enjoyable trip, a great part of the world to go cycling.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing view of Florence at the end.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Martino organised everything very well and tried his best to help someone whose luggage did not arrive at all. Excellent knowledge of gelato stops!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Handlebar bags are provided so plenty of space to store items on the road. Quite a few climbs (all the villages and towns are on hills) so bring some energy bars.
Chris Churm
Reviewed June 2022
Albania is a beautiful place
Just returned from my first Exodus trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We were a small group of 7, plus Arjan as guide and Rimi our driver, who were both very helpful and good fun. All Arjan’s eatery recommendations were great and the food overall was excellent. You also get a lot for your money in Albania – I spent less than £200 in total the whole week. I enjoyed the variety of natural scenery on the tour.. mountains, lakes, rivers, coast.. as well as the beautiful city of Gijrokastra. I’m a reasonably fit 55 year old, cycle a couple of times per week and the level of cycling was just about right for me – a real challenge on some of the days, especially the last day, plus it was very hot!! – but the group was well supported with water and you can always take a break or even jump in the minibus if you’re flagging feeling below par. Albania is a beautiful country with incredibly friendly and humble people. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the final day. The morning climbs are tough, but we all made it!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Arjan is a great guy. Funny, calm, informative, helpful, great on the bike and he had everything in hand at every point. His food recommendations were all spot on.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pick a bit of local currency up in the airport on arrival.
Mary Gottwald
Reviewed June 2022
Highly recommended
A really enjoyable week with a good variety of activities. A nice friendly hotel with good food.
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberta was an excellent, informative leader who looked after us brilliantly.
Miriam da Silva
Reviewed June 2022
Free in nature after two years delay
This expedition on Quark’s ship the Ultramarine was delayed from July 2020, and the original booking was for another ship, but then this new one was available, and has dedicated single cabins.
Because of the pandemic we had to take tests before flying to Oslo, and there another antigen test for Quark. All negative persons were allowed to board the charter flight up north, where we met our ship. Because of said pandemic the staff had their own bubble and would not mingle with the travellers,and inside masks were compulsory.So we met the staff only on the zodiac trips and when ashore.Meals were also a lonely affair, as distances were to be kept, buffets had personnel with masks and gloves put on your plate what you asked for and showed, all behind glass
So only the outside, zodiac cruises and walks ashore, were really free, the nature is beautiful, animals free too and showed up to pose for picture, including a group of 3 polar bears who had their meals already caught, and were close to shore. So all zodiacs passed in silence close to the shore, and made rounds number of times, to give us a long and great view of them.
We were the first trip where the ship could circumference Spitsbergen island, even though we had to break some ice and were in a long foggy day. but it all added to the special nature of that area.
Lectures given in the evenings by the staff had different topics, from the animals we saw to their personal adventures(close contacts with bears, kayak circumference trip of Spitsbergen,)And history of course.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing polar bears so close up, without danger, and really doing their thing.
Seeing the mountains with fresh snow, the endless sea with ice flows.And so many glaciers.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The expedition leader was Solan, very experienced and he led us together with the captain on a very special trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Even though the trip is close to Spitsbergen, there were moments of a rougher sea, so take motion sickness medication. If not, the doctor on board can also help, but better to take what you are used to.
You need fully water proof pants, it can get really wet, and I'd advise to take at least two pairs of those pants. Otherwise, layered clothing, no need for anything fancy.And waterproof gloves, several pairs too.
Come with an open mind: nothing is guaranteed, except that you'll have a great time.What will fill that time is a surprise.
Teresa Thiel
Reviewed June 2022
Traditional Asturias
So pleased I was able to join this trip last minute as it exceeded my expectations.
A stunningly beautiful traditional mountainous part of Spain. Great hotel staff and location.
Food outstanding.
Our walking group was good company and fun to be with.
Most Inspirational Moment
The whole area was inspirational, but the extensive wild flowers and views of snow on mountain tops were highlights.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ignacio was very knowledgeable and passionate about this area.
He was supportive and motivational on the walks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for all weathers. It was already quite hot in June.
Some places require a good head for heights and encounters with cattle and goats on narrow paths.
