Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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I highly recommend this trip if you are looking to sample the TMB. In my opinion, this tour delivers the perfect balance between activity and leisure. My highest compliments to the MB Highlights Hike Leader Adrian and the Chalet 1802 team Julieta and Odran. The hikes were amazing as expected. Each evening Adrian provided detailed briefings on the next day’s hike with tips to prepare us for the weather and terrain. He suggested a variety of outings for the leisure day and helped us navigate public transportation.
Julieta and Odran were the perfect hosts at the Chalet. The accommodations were spacious and comfortable. The meals were top notch. We especially enjoyed the post hike cake breaks and desserts were incredible. There was no weight lost on this trip!
Well done everyone.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Ibex on our first hike!
Taking in the 360 degree views of the ‘giants’ while enjoying a picnic lunch.
Having a celebratory beverage at the end of the first hike.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adrian’s energy and passion for the outdoors was contagious. We especially appreciated his flexibility addressing the needs of individuals and the group. We hiked during a heatwave and Adrian made sure that everyone could participate and suggested variations on request. Thanks to Adrian, everyone had a smile on their face at the end of the day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Arriving in Europe before the start of the tour helped us deal with jet lag.
Bring a good selection of hiking clothing. We expected cooler weather especially in the higher elevations so we packed accordingly. We experienced a heatwave and ended up hiking in shorts every day!
Weather permitting, go on the L’Aiguille du Midi excursion.
Bring a charging device. You will take lots of photos!
A Perfect Blend of Hiking, Scenery, and Italian Culture
Disclosure: I am an Exodus employee, but I traveled on this trip as a customer.
Walking the Amalfi Coast exceeded my expectations. The itinerary strikes a perfect balance between rewarding hikes, stunning coastal scenery, authentic local experiences, and fantastic food. Every day offered something different, from walking the famous Path of the Gods to exploring picturesque villages like Ravello and Sorrento and enjoying delicious regional cuisine. The trip was very well organized, and our tour leader’s passion and local knowledge made the experience even more memorable. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a summer active holiday with incredible scenery and plenty of Italian charm.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiking the Path of the Gods was definitely the highlight. The panoramic views over the Amalfi Coast were breathtaking, and reaching the end of the trail felt incredibly rewarding. It was one of those experiences that will stay with me long after the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding. Roberta, our leader was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and genuinely passionate about the region. She shared fascinating stories, facts and history, recommended excellent restaurants and hidden gems, and created a welcoming atmosphere that brought the whole group together. Her organization and positive attitude truly elevated the entire experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Come prepared to enjoy every moment! Bring comfortable walking shoes, stay hydrated, and make room in your suitcase (and your appetite!) for the incredible local food. Trust your tour leader's recommendations, they know all the best spots and will help you get the most out of the experience. Don't forget your camera, because the Amalfi Coast is even more beautiful than the photos.
The mountains, wild flower meadows, bird & butterflies on the Tour de Mont Blanc were truly spectacular, exceeding my already high expectations. The hiking was tough – really tough on some days, but the rewards were immense. The route was brilliant, and it was definitely a good idea to have the more challenging climbs in the second week. The camping was extremely well-organised, blackout tents great, EXCELLENT home-cooked food from our brilliant camp manager Albert, was always something to look forward to in the evening. Overall, I would say this is a trip not to be missed for keen, fit hikers who love the mountains.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiking from Switzerland into Italy with the grandeur of the Mont Blanc Massif stretched out in front of us, surrounded by wild flower meadows - truly unforgettable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adrian, our group leader was outstanding. His knowledge, enthusiasm, sense of humour, generosity of spirit and energy were boundless. Adrian's love of the mountains and the outdoors was palpable and I learned a great deal about the area during the hike. Adrian and the marvellous camp manager Albert made a fantastic team - they looked after the group with real attention to detail and care. They worked extremely hard to make sure that our experience was so good.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You will love this hike, but you do need to be fit. Good idea to start on a specific cardio and strengthening programme a few before you go - then you will get the most out of the holiday and have more time to have coffee and cake at the mountain huts.
A classic Atlas Mountains trekking adventure combining high-altitude challenge, spectacular mountain scenery, local Amazigh culture, and the achievement of standing on the highest peak in North Africa.
Most Inspirational Moment
The views from the top!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader and assistant leader, Mohamed and Abdul, were flawless and a true credit to the leaders team. They had a great sense of humor, were interested in the group and were proud to show off their country and answered all questions we had about the country and it's culture.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip is best suited to fit and experienced hill walkers who are comfortable with long days on the trail and the effects of altitude. While no technical climbing is required, the high elevation and steep terrain can make it a physically demanding challenge!
A really enjoyable week’s hiking with a fabulous group of people. Sometimes the accommodation can be questionable on Exodus trips, but on this occasion the small family run hotel was lovely, clean, great location in the town and the staff/owner’s could not do enough for you.
The hike’s were varied and some days the views breathtaking. The town of Arenas Las Cabrales is ideal an a base to explore the area; and has a good selection of bars and restaurants. Which was a little frustrating, as the evening meals provided on the trip were usually at the same restaurant, which was okay, but it would have been better to experience other places. On the day off we did the kayaking, which was good fun, the days guide was careful to manage our safety; especially as we capsized a few times in the small rapids!! The other choice was a coastal walk and a visit to a small town. The photo’s we saw from other group members suggested that this was a really good option as well!
Most Inspirational Moment
The day hike of Cares Gorge was just awe inspiring. The summit of Pena Main and the Mancondiu hike gave some wonderfull views above cloud level.......and the group of people on the holiday, varied, interesting and good fun!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alvaro (aka Alberto according to one group member)! Was a good guide, sociable, friendly, helpful; he had our welfare in mind at all times. There were various walking paces within the group, he could have managed this a little better! The two other guides on the trip, Alex and Adrian .....both good company, helpful and full of patience!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take hiking poles, there are some steep ascents and descents; and one of the days walk was extremely muddy and slippy. Other than that ....just go and enjoy Picos de Europa, it is a stunning part of the world.
I absolutely loved every minute of that trip. I went in April and we got to see many different dramatic landscapes and amazing wildlife. Every evening we had clear details on what would happen the next day, departure and driving times, number of stops, and what to wear. Some drives looked long on paper but the landscapes were always interesting to watch and we never knew when wildlife would be visible.
The itinerary is well designed as we discovered landscapes and alternated days with short drives and multiple hikes and days with longer drives but plenty of stops on the way. Some mornings started relatively early but that is necessary to see wildlife and walk in the desert before it gets too hot.
The lodging ranged from absolutely fabulous (Damara Mopane Lodge and Otjiwa Safari Lodge for example) to painting peeling off the wall in Etosha National Park. Regardless, all were clean and quiet and being so close to the waterhole in Etosha was well worth the slightly less luxurious room.
The bus we used is especially well designed to travel on dirt roads and to see immense landscapes and wildlife. The provided extra cushions were welcome on bumpy roads and all seats had seatbelts. Once we got into Etosha, we opened the roof and (shoes off) would stand on seats to have a 360 degrees view. The front and side windows also open. That means everyone could see the wildlife from different angles with obstructing the view of others in the group.
I had high expectations when I booked that trip and I came home with all those expectations exceeded.
Most Inspirational Moment
Only the one most inspiring moment? I can't choose. Climbing the red sand dunes of the oldest desert on the planet, seeing the Namib sand gecko and desert-adapted giraffes and elephants that only live in Namibia, seeing cheetahs up close, walking up to white rhinos, spotting two black rhinos face off at sunset, coming face to face with a family of warthogs outside the lodge, seeing remarkably old and well preserved cave paintings, driving long the coast where the desert meets the ocean, and petting Mila the meerkat of the Brandberg White Lady Lodge. Everyday brought something new and amazing, and sometimes unexpected like the honey badger we never expected to spot.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Shane was great. He had a great plan to ensure we always had cold water to access on the bus and we could always access it even during the night if needed. He was great at spotting wildlife and also at sensing excitement in the bus and stopping even for the 100th springbok or giraffe. He modified the itinerary slightly by switching activities between days so we got to do everything planned but with shorter drives. And some evenings he answered the same question 10 times.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack layers. Mornings and evenings were chilly in some places, and days got hot. The temperature changed fast at sunrise and sunset. We got our pant legs quite wet during the white rhino tracking and it was chilly but so worth it.
Bring a good camera (seriously, everywhere in Namibia is amazing for photography) with protective gear against wind and sand and a cleaning kit. I used my camera cleaning kit almost daily and others on the tour used my cleaning kit too.
Talk with the group leader about your plans. During our day off in Swakopmund, I had read about optional excursions and was debating between the Living Desert tour and the Sandwich Harbor tour. I couldn't make my mind and Shane managed to arrange for me to do both, warning me it would be an exhausting day. I did the Living Desert tour at 8:30 am, got back in town, changed cars, and got back from the Sandwich Harbor tour just 30 min before our planned dinner time. It was exhausting but I regret nothing! I saw and learned so much and am so grateful I was able to do both excursions.
And during a meal, ask for a Malawi Shandy. It might become your favorite drink on a hot day.
An unforgettable trip - but a few opportunities for Exodus.
Don’t let the 3 stars put you off — this is an amazing trip and I wish I could rate it 5 stars. Peru is stunning, and this itinerary covers a lot of the country, which means it’s intense: early starts and long bus days. As the trip progresses, the landscapes get more impressive — Colca Canyon is jaw-dropping (condor-spotting and the llamas were highlights). Hotels were decent and food ranged from good to excellent, with plenty of great meals, wine, and pisco sours. Overall, a great overview of Peru’s culture, nature and history — hard not to fall in love with the country and its people.
We were a great group of 12, but because of that small number we were given a small, uncomfortable bus. Luggage barely fit, the suspension was terrible, and it was wholly inadequate for long journeys (one day of 13 hours!) on bumpy roads at altitude. Our guide Giscard tried to get an upgrade, and I contacted the London Exodus office, but the Peru office wouldn’t budge — so for over half the trip, our enjoyment was hindered by the transport. We did get an upgrade in week two, the night we had to flee Cusco at 10pm due to a strike — but that bus broke down (overheated radiator), leaving us without heating while it snowed outside. The last few days we finally got a great bus, and it made a huge difference for Colca Canyon. This is something for Exodus to reflect on.
Unlike some other reviewers, I didn’t enjoy the homestay (nor did the 2 travelers staying in the same home). There was little communication with the family — we only met the mother and son — and they were keen to sell us their wares from the moment we arrived, even asking to swap my much-needed fleece for a woollen hat. The next morning we were all asked to “dress up” in “traditional” clothing, which felt at odds with the spirit of these trips — more like forced cultural appropriation. Others may have felt differently.
Overall, I’m so pleased I did this trip and would recommend it strongly!
Most Inspirational Moment
Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, it by far exceeded my expectations! We were so lucky with the weather as well. It is in these moments that Exodus truly shines: all the logistics (train journeys, bus journeys, ticketing, queueing etc.) would be so hard to do on your own, it truly ran like clockwork.
The other highlight was the (optional) flight over the Nazca valley. I loved loved loved it (and I have a fear of heights!). Truly spectacular.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Giscard was nothing short of terrific!! The perfect guide, caring, firm when he needed to be, sense of humour, and very knowledgeable! He is a very experienced guide and he navigated any curveballs without flinching, we always were in the safest of hands with Giscard. I will remember him fondly!
Advice for Potential Travellers
It's an intense trip, so be prepared. You will get tired, but the beauty of the country is so so worth it! Listen to the tour guide's advice when it come to the altitude, it is something to carefully manage.
Pack warm clothes ... in fact you need clothes for all seasons. You need layers, because on the same day you may need only a t-shirt and shorts, and a few hours later you will need proper trousers and two fleeces. Never been so cold in my life as when the radiator of the bus broke down when it was snowing outside! (Ironically, there was a heatwave in the UK at the time!).
Finally, you need to be have a decent level of mobility and fitness to enjoy it. Although you're not climbing any mountains, often there will be some hikes where there is uneven ground.
This was my first trip to South America and I think the bar is set high!
An excellent introduction to a fast-changing country. A varied itinerary took us through the beautiful Albanian scenery and included visits to mosques, churches and houses of interest as well as archaeological sites.
Most Inspirational Moment
The group meal with a village family at Dhoksat was a particular highlight. Berat and Kruje stand out, although Albania's mountains, rivers and lakes were inspiring. Our visit to Bunk Art 2 was a sobering reminder of Albania's recent past.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Artur, our group leader, and Diu our driver, were a professional and experienced team who worked closely together. Highly recommended. Artur is excellent at running the tour smoothly and Diu is a very careful driver who also helps with luggage – and he shares great photos on the group WhatsApp.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We arranged direct BA flights through Exodus that also gave us an extra day in Kruje, which allowed us time to explore the market and visit the excellent Ethnographic Museum. Be prepared for moving on almost daily and some longish days on the road (with plenty of stops built in). Some of the cobbled pavements are slippery (e.g., Berat Castle and Kruje market) – take appropriate footwear. NB there are no money changing facilities airside at Tirana airport, so don't end up stuck with too much lek at the end of your trip.
For anyone who is looking for a variety of experiences AND who loves cycling too then this is for you! The variety of cycling up (and down) volcanoes, fast straight road cycling as well as off the beaten track cycling through paddy fields and coffee plantations was brilliant. But we also exchanged bikes for walking shoes, hiking up Ijen to witness the biggest acidic crater lake in the world as well as slept in tents on the beach! And some of us ended our cycling in the sea complete with cycle gear was such fun. Highly recommended.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were lots of inspiring moments but for me, probably the most inspiring was on Day 3 of the trip. We spent the morning cycling up Mount Batur, which was challenging but breathtaking at the top but then had the opportunity of cycling down into the caldera (the collapsed crater from an eruption 28,000 years ago) and standing in the lava fields with balls of lava bigger than you could ever imagine. For me it was a real WOW moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wira was an exceptional leader and Wyan an equally exceptional sweeper and leader too, with a brilliant team, who prepped wonderful meals and snacks to keep us going throughout our cycle trip. Communication was brilliant, Wira's local and more widespread knowledge was fantastic. Honestly couldn't have asked for a better crew
Advice for Potential Travellers
I wouldn't hesitate to book this as a stand alone cycle trip
TMB camping was the 4th and the most challanging long distance hike since my retirement. We were with 12 fellow hikers (me: the only continental person and the oldest female) aged 18-76, guided by Tim, the best guide I ever hiked with and taken care of by Alberto, a hard working chef kook and we had an unlimited fun!
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many: the first day when we were overwhelmed by the beauty of the surrounding, the day we entered Switzerland and were overwhelmed by heavy rain, hail and thunders and kept laughing, the stunning views on Monte Bianco on Italian trek and the last day , technical hike which I liked a lot!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tim Stephens, assisted by tireless Alberto.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it, it will be one of the highlights of your life. And choose for a camping trek as I was adviced to!
