Advice for Potential Travellers
Take medication for altitude early. Do not linger at high passes.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
PERU EXPLORER
This trip had great potential and we enjoyed those parts we were able to particiapate in except that we were forced to curtail the holiday on medical advice because my wife suffered severe altitude sickness at Chivay. We hence missed the trek to Machu Pichu and other high altitude parts of the tour and had to return to sea level until we were able to rejoin the group in the Amazon jungle.
CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE
A good introduction to Romania. The guide was welcoming and approachable and the hotel owner was informative and passionate about the welfare of bears. The walks were relaxed and allowed exploration of the local area. There was the feeling that there was a little too much travelling in the minibus, but variety was provided by the walks, visits to towns and waiting patiently for bears to emerge from the woods late at night.
Most Inspirational Moment
My highlight was unexpected. It was dusk when we waited patiently for the 'wild' beavers to appear and the air beccame filled with bats. It was wonderful. Also, walking nearer streams frequently led to some lovely moments when clouds of disturbed blue butterflies would lift off form the pathway. Gorgeous.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The guest house owner was kind and informative. She accompanied us on some the trips and was good company. The walks guide was very approachable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Drink plenty of water! Our visit coincided with the hottest, driest summer for a very long time and local farmers were struggling. Suncream, hat and good walking boots are essential. Binoculars are advantageous when viewing the beavers and wild bears.
CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE
This trip was all the best of Exodus in one go. A wonderfully balanced mix, every day a new aspect of Carpathian life. I went with my mum who said it was our best Exodus trip yet. It’s really wonderful to be in an agricultural area where things are not about romancing the past to please the tourists.
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed the horse and cart ride, actually. Doesn't sound that inspirational, but I was worried it would feel a bit kitsch, something put on for us because we were visitors. How wrong I was! We were passed by no less than three working horse and carts during the first half an hour, carrying bales of hay driven by fathers and sons. And all the animals are really well looked after, healthy and happy working animals. The Saxon village was wonderful. We ate lunch there, and the wine (homebrew of course) was so good we bought several bottles to take home. You could see the grapes growing on the trellis.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Cosmin was superb. He had a great sense of humour and was very good at looking out for us all.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather is changeable in the mountains so come prepared for all eventualities! Even if it's boiling hot a rain shower can come rolling in in a matter of minutes (as I learned when I left my coat behind).
WALKING THE AMALFI COAST
I thought visiting Pompeii and Capri would be the highlight of the trip but for me it was the great walks. I felt hugely fitter after the week’s worth of walks and would have been happy to book another the following week but alas I was out of holiday leave.
Most Inspirational Moment
The best walk was down through the Ferriere National Park to Amalfi, through Autumnal Hobbit forest, magical waterfalls and lemon groves.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jo Payne was a great leader. Her judgment was spot on for the situation. On some of the tricky sections of the walk involving ledges she managed the risky situation very well and was supportive to members of the group, particularly those that suffered from vertigo. At all times however it felt like she was just your mate on holiday with you which is a bit of a trick. She possibly been the best tour leader I have come across with Exodus and I've been on a few of your holidays.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Walking poles would be a great help on this trip as there are a great many steps down from Bomerano to Amalfi and mitigate some of the stress on your knees.
MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF CORSICA
Excellent hotel with great food. Atmospheric village in a remote spot. Great scenery. Very friendly people in the group, we all got on well.
Most Inspirational Moment
The beautiful woods and views from the mountains sides. Seeing the semi wild pigs was somehow very interesting.Swimming in a mountain river pool was perhaps the best thing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good sense of safty and well organised.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking is easy. There are a lots of woods, so you will love it if woods are your thing. They really look undisturbed by mankind or industry. Do not go in big boots to the seaside, you will look like a being from another planet ( as I did! I also persuaded my mate that boots would be needed for the coast walking.There were many curses). Go with icecream and beach in mind.
CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA AND PANAMA
You can’t not enjoy this holiday. The cycling is not strenuous and you can go at your own pace. The scenery and wildlife was impressive. This holiday provides a good mixture of cycling and wildlife watching.
Most Inspirational Moment
Panama has to be the big surprise. What a beautiful country. The 2 nights on the Carribean island of Bocas Torres has to be the highlight. As a group we chose to go dolphin watching, snorkeling and swimming off fantastic Red Crab Bay. Pina Colladas dressed in flowery shirts or tinsel topped it off!Drinking Pina Colladas in the hot springs with all the group in La Fortuna was also a pretty special evening.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rob looked after us extremely well with the help of Britt, and back up of Luis and Ronald. Somebody was always there to escort me in at the back! They also let me do a bit of social organising!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The standard of accommodation and food was higher than I expected. I was pleasntly surprised about the standard of hotels and restaurants in which we ate most nights.Be prepared for early starts before it gets hot. Also it goes dark at 5pm in Nicaragua.Download the words to 'Escape- if you like pina colladas' to play on the bus!Be prepared for 2 3hour bus transfers- Panama is a long country and you wouldn't get to Panama City on time otherwise. Have a good selection of sing along music on your mp3s to ease the journey.
WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS
A very enjoyable week; a welcome mix of walking and relaxation, glorious weather, delicious food, good company and three idyllic islands each with their own distinct character.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to choose since each island was so different and beautiful in its own way. Prettiest villages - Paros; Most enjoyable and varied walk - Naxos. Sharpest intake of breath and "WOW" moment - the first view of Santorini's incredible caldera.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanos was brilliant. I'd agree with other reviewers who've commented on how hardworking and helpful he is. Obviously incredibly experienced and knowledgeable, but he also goes out of his way to assure the health and wellbeing of his clients (and will also rescue the occasional goat that has got its leg stuck in a wall!)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a wheeled bag/suitcase; there is an approx. 10 minute walk from the hotel to the metro in Athens, then you also have to move your luggage on and off the ferries. I didn't take one, and soon regretted it.If you go in the hot summer months, take a good hat, especially for Santorini where there is very little shade on the walk. The walks are relatively easy but a head for heights will come in handy on Santorini. There was one part of the walk that I struggled with because it was loose, slippery pumice with a sheer drop just a few feet away (but there is an "easier" route that you can choose to take if you are afraid of heights). Be prepared for small changes in itinerary and lots of time on ferries. Relax and go with the flow!
WALKING THE GREAT WALL
A brilliant experience, made all the better with excellent travel companions and Kevin, a superb leader.My eyes could not believe it sometimes. It has said before, but it is so awesome to see that snaking Wall, before you and after you.
Most Inspirational Moment
The sunset at Gubeikou, we only had a short time, I did take a photo on the way up, beautiful, just as well, the sun beat us to it. a 2nd chance the next day, but cloudy.I also added the Ix'an extension, absolutely worth it. The sight of those tombs!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kevin. An absolute diamond of a man. Nothing was too much trouble. he was always there with ideas and help.On my free day after Beijing, I wanted to visit the Summer Palace. He arranged a taxi to collect me, make sure I knew directions for the subway home, maps etc. Catostrophe, the driver was involved in an accident, so, although on his day off, Kevin, phoned the hotel, got reception to message me, got me sorted with another driver etc. I had a wonderful day there, getting back in time to join my 4 fellow travellers for the Ix'an extension.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with the flow. The notes are absolutely correct. some accomadation is very basic, the first night on the Wall, especially, but the food was excellent. Take your wipes and sanitizer for sure. Quite cold too at night. Be prepared for their version of a wet room! just wet everywhere. Your loo too.That is, if it is not a squat one. start learning.
A TASTE OF CUBA
Great way of seeing some of Cuba if you are short on time – will make you want to visit again! Also great as a single traveller. From inspiring Havana to beautiful Trinidad, dancing, some great cooking, a bit of Che, beaches, beautiful scenery, thousands of photos and some rum – what’s not to like?!
Most Inspirational Moment
Trinidad was amazing - then we had a very heavy storm - I have not laughed so much in ages, running through the cobbled streets completely wet through to the safety of the bus. We also went to a nightclub in a cave, and were made to feel very welcome if a little inadequate on the dance floor!I loved Havana, just being able to explore and wonder around. Definitely check out the market and drive a hard bargain on art work before retiring for another cocktail with your purchases.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Toni was great, knowledgable without it feeling like he had a set amount of information he was supposed to tell you. Andreas, our driver, was also fantastic - a very skilful driver of a very clean bus. Both Toni and Andreas included all in the group and made sure all needs were catered for, we had a very mixed age group and a disabled traveller, they made all feel included and really made a positive impact on the holiday.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring a big memory stick for photos and a spare battery for the camera. And a torch - if you are walking back at night its a good idea (although if you aren't keen on bugs and spiders perhaps better without one!)
ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN
The Ancient and Modern Japan trip exceeded our expectations. The balance between urban and more rural life was excellent as was the travel on local transit and the free time to explore on our own. Both guides (Catherine and Alexi) were outstanding.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hearing the monks chanting in Kyoto; hearing the Taiko drums outside Matsumoto Castle; seeing the snow monkeys; sleeping in Ryokans. We know - that's more than one great moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both Catherine and Alexi were tremendous. Catherine provided the experience and was friendly yet professional and we felt very confident in her ability to lead the group. Alexi was lovely and a great complement to Catherine. Although a novice, his ability to speak Japanese was a great help and he was so helpful and accommodating. Together they made a great team. They were present at the beginning and end of each day that we had on our own in case we needed them but we always felt we had choices. They were both fantastic.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Only to do their homework about currency, bank machines, access to WiFi and the amount of walking expected. Most of us were fine but one couple seemed to choose the wrong trip so doing your homework and reading all of the material from Exodus thoroughly is really imporrtant.