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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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14906 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviews

Fantastic trip in Vietnam!

This was a really incredible trip! From North to South you get to see the ins-and-outs of this beautiful country, the beautiful sights, the friendly people and the tasty food! I feel that it was the perfect duration for the locations visited – I didn’t feel rushed on any days but also don’t feel that we were roaming around aimlessly at any point! Just an action packed trip from start to finish and one that I would definitely recommend to anyone who is thinking about going for it… you won’t regret it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiring moment for me was the home-stay visit at Xom Chien village. It's a very tranquil stay, you are right in the beautiful country side and rice fields, and are welcomed and hosted by the very friendly community in this village. The locals are very generous and friendly and are excited to welcome you to their home. This homestay being right near the start of the trip is a very good bit of trip planning as it allows you to slow down, take in the scenery and the culture and really unwind and start your holiday in a refreshed mind state.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Toan was an amazing guide! He was fun, friendly, funny and knew just about everything there was to know about his country! He provided such a deep knowledge on the history and culture of the areas we passed through and also helped us to learn some of the local language to help us communicate with the locals better. Just a really great guide to spend your 2 weeks with!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Depending on what time of the year you travel, bring fewer/lighter clothes than you're planning, it's hotter than I expected! Also bring some thin but warm layers for the overnight train. I personally didn't get very cold, but some of my fellow travelers were quite cold through the night.

Amazing

Great week discovering mountains of Tuscany
Accommodation was great; going back in time, with comfort. Food outstanding.
A family atmosphere all around.
Great hikes, some more difficult, but it was all detailed in notes.
Loved the Medieval walled city of Lucca, on day off.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day hike to Monte Prado Views all the way up, and all around

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was outstanding; a machine of a guide! Including everyone, encouraging all hikers to do their best. Her pride and knowledge of the area is obvious. Very involved with all meals. Great sense of humour. Would go back in a minute. A wonderfully kind human A gem for Exodus

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to read notes with hike elevation; as stated, bring layers for summit. Fell in love with the local “ Farro” grains, brought some back home

An Unforgettable Cultural Journey

The trip was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Every temple and shrine had its own atmosphere and charm, many set amongst peaceful gardens and wooded areas. Although the cherry blossom season was nearing its end, there were still plenty of blossoms and colourful flowers adding to the beauty of the scenery. Everything felt incredibly clean, efficient, and well organised — from the punctual trains to the welcoming hotels. The food was excellent throughout the trip, and the kindness and politeness of the people made the experience even more enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Duke was an excellent leader — knowledgeable, thoughtful, well organised, and always helpful. He took time to understand what each of us wanted from the trip, from experiences and food to shopping and sightseeing. He was patient throughout and even helped with plans beyond the group tour. I really appreciated all the effort he put into making the trip so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to trying local food and experiences — some of the unexpected moments were the most memorable.

very good

excellent apart from tabin wildlife park didnt see anything

Most Inspirational Moment

loved kinabatangan

Thoughts on Group Leader

both guides excellent

Sun, sea, sand, gardens and woodlands - a wonderful walking holiday in the Algarve

This was a wonderful late April holiday in Portugal, my first with Exodus. The itinerary and accommodation were first class. Everything was so well organised and very diverse, the walking covering beautiful countryside and woodland as well as stunning coastal paths. As it was Springtime everything seemed to be in full bloom which was an added delight. As a group of eight coming together for the first time we gelled well together and enjoyed some wonderful walks, meals and activities together. The friendly, gracious and careful way in which our group leader Inês managed the tour was admirable. The additional activities and learning about flora, fauna, and Portuguese customs were perfect additions to the holiday. The bread baking, olives, ceramics, wine and an artisan olive oil producer provided a holistic and rounded experience of the Algarve for us all.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first wonderfully spectacular views of the sea and coastline from the rugged coastal paths

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inês was a friendly, kind and thoughtful leader, passionate about the Algarve. She was very well-organized, hard-working and kept everything running smoothly. She was positive, careful, flexible and very patient and adapted to our various strengths and weaknesses. None of us were aware, until she advised us at the end of the week, that this was her first time working solo with a group. We would not have known! Nothing seemed to be too much for Inês, including accompanying me to the pharmacy when I needed this. I’m very grateful indeed that she was our guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was ideal for walking, mostly not too hot and only a brush with rain. Shoes or boots with a good grip are necessary for some parts of the coastal and other paths. Also walking poles might be a good addition too. As others have said (and I should have listened!) leave some space in your luggage for wine, pottery, olive oil and gifts.

Thoroughly recommended

This was an excellent and varied trip which gave a real sense of Peru’s culture and history, and of its sheer scale. I take a lot of photographs, and what struck me most throughout was the feeling of space. The landscapes are immense and it’s one of those places you really have to visit to properly comprehend.
The itinerary really is full on, and it can feel demanding at times, but I came away feeling I had seen a great deal of the country rather than simply ticking off a few famous sites. We were fortunate with the weather throughout the trip, particularly in the mountains where visibility and light were often exceptional.
Food was generally good, though naturally variable over such a long trip. Traditional Andean food is hearty and quite rustic in character, but Peru also has international influences, particularly Italian, and some of the pasta dishes were unexpectedly very good and seemed to be freshly made.

Most Inspirational Moment

At the start of the trip, we were all asked why Peru, and what we most wanted to see. Most said Machu Picchu. It is obviously a highlight, but the biggest surprise for me was actually Nazca. I’ve read about the place, seen photographs and documentaries, but nothing prepares you for the scale and strangeness of the landscape, particularly at altitude. Whilst some of the journeys are daunting, I found travelling through the high Andes to be an absolute highlight. Some of the most memorable moments were not necessarily the famous landmarks; the roadside stops and viewpoints were often extraordinary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader, Luis, was excellent throughout the trip: organised, knowledgeable, calm and consistently good company. He kept the trip running smoothly while still making it feel relaxed and enjoyable, and he handled the practicalities of altitude, transport, timings, and accommodation well. I think Luis struck a good balance between providing information and allowing people to experience places in their own way. I always felt the group was well looked after and that everything was under control without it ever feeling over-managed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One thing worth planning carefully is laundry. I’ve been on trips with Exodus where every hotel offers laundry services; on this trip, there was only one opportunity to wash clothes properly, and even hotel room washing/drying opportunities are limited. You are likely to experience a wide range of temperatures and conditions, so don't forget a light waterproof and jumper. The sun can be deceptively strong at altitude, so consider sunscreen and a hat. The highest altitude we experienced was nearly 5,000 metres above sea level, so mild exertion leave you short of breath, but nobody on my trip was badly affected. Nevertheless, altitude is taken seriously, so your blood oxygen levels will be measured as a matter of routine. Whilst most make do with a smartphone, a good camera is worthwhile if you enjoy photography, particularly for landscapes and wildlife. I should also mention the homestay on Amantani Island, which proved to be one of the more memorable parts of the trip. Facilities really are limited, so don't expect washing facilities or wifi, but the kindness and hospitality was infectious, and I came away with a recipe for a kind of fried flatbread called toctochi, which you simply have to try. I had been a little apprehensive about this bit of the trip, but ended up enjoying it far more than I expected.

Beautifully bonkers - an unexpectedly immersive experience

An unforgettable, tiring, enjoyable experience. Wouldn’t have missed it, but was glad to say goodbye to that coach we travelled in most days.
Would highly recommend being in Mexico for the Day of the Dead festival. Oaxaca was a great place to enjoy it – a beautiful city where we were welcomed and felt part of the celebrations. Our guide really helped us understand the history, culture and story of Mexico, from the outset in Mexico City, then led us through it over the following 16 days. I thought that the numerous visits to classical sites would be too much, but every one was different and visits were interspersed with meeting local families, learning to cook local dishes, experiencing local traditions, like following wedding parties, exploring fabulous old cities, enjoying scenery, rivers and mountains. A complete journey through what Mexico offers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly the evening visit to the cemetery where we joined with families, dressed graves, enjoyed the brass band and dancing, drank cocktails, ate street food and learned about the Mexican tradition of celebrating the lives of their lost family members. Just an amazing experience and a lesson about how loss and respect can include enjoyment and welcome in others to be part of it. The various pyramids and classical sites we visited were amazing. Mont Alban was probably my favourite as it was less touristy. The optional river trip to the Roberto Barrios waterfalls was well worth doing too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was the very best! Luis is a gentleman, a very well educated man and incredibly thoughtful guide who wanted us all to get the most from our experience. As a doctor, he clearly leads these trips to share his love and knowledge of Mexico’s history. He threw everything into our trip, from a 3.30am start to get marigolds for us all to take to the cemetery, to booking us into professional make up artists so we could fully engage in the Dis de Muertos festival. He never missed an opportunity to add new experiences as they arose, such as following a wedding celebration and did it all with a smile and wonderful manner. He was supported by a fantastic coach driver, whose name sadly I can’t remember, but we felt completely safe with him despite some extremely long days and he was always friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for very long days, limited downtime and long coach journeys. They were tiring and at times a touch frustrating, but were necessary to travel the distances we did, and to have the wide range of experiences we enjoyed. If you are able to read or fill in your time on long journeys with other activities, it helps. The weather in late October - mid November was lovely - so normal summer clothing was fine - ignore the advice about women not wearing shorts. Many did and we ensured it was not a problem before doing so. Most of all - throw yourself into the whole Dia de Meurtos experience. I had read that local people don’t like tourists to engage in facial make up and fully joining in the celebrations. Our guide was shocked by this and encouraged us to join with him in all aspects. So pleased we did. We had lovely responses from many local people too.

Essential Iconic Sites of China March 13th-24th 2026

An excellent and well organised trip to get a feel of this enormous country and see the rapidity of its development. Although the trip was quite fast paced, having 2 or 3 nights in each of the cities visited meant that things didn’t seem too rushed. As previous reviews have noted, all the iconic sites were covered giving a good amount of time at each and also a fair amount of free time to explore on your own. It didn’t take long to sort out using the metros in the 4 cities but, as has been mentioned in other reviews, you need to be quite fit as walking distances can be considerable(e.g. railway and metro stations) and you often need to move fairly quickly. Buses, metros and bullet trains all very efficient. It was good to be able to sample the different variety of food in the cities, even though sometimes the limited English made life interesting! All of the extra activities were well worth doing-Chinese acrobats, Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, Sichuan Opera.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was inspiring so very difficult to highlight just one. The Great Wall and Terracotta Army and it was a real privilege to see Giant Pandas especially the younger ones.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Frank was superb. He was really good at getting us to sites early enough to avoid the worst of the crowds. He had a fantastic depth of knowledge about the history and development of his country and was always there to help if needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of our group had problems with the Alipay app at least early on in the trip. Although the tendency is to think of China as a cashless society, we found that ATM's and cash was usually easily available. A good idea to bring some local currency(Yuan) on arrival also. If you think this trip is for you, then go for it and immerse yourself in the culture. It will remain an unforgettable experience!

Fortnight of fun

The Pekoe Trail offers wonderful walking through these historic tea plantations and because it is relatively newly opened up we often had the whole trail to ourselves. As a solo traveller, I was so lucky to be part of a large, energetic and hugely fun group of people. We enjoyed a mix of authentic rural life and a taste of some of the old colonial buildings from the past. Accommodation ranged from simple homestays to historic hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

The long days of peace on the trail, walking the ancient paths in the beautiful landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mac was a joy to spent time with. He took great care of our large group, always making sure we were safe but also that we had fun and saw as. much as we could. There was never a dull moment! Thanks Mac and all the local assistant guides, you made the trip so interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a full-on trip with no rest day, so be ready for some long days on the trail with picnic stops. And be ready for wet weather and leeches!

Stunning trip, poor administration

The “Week in Oman” trip, booked well in advance for April 2026, started with such promise. Neil’s customer service was exceptional, setting a positive tone. Even though I sourced my own, cheaper flights, the anticipation provided by Exodus was palpable as the travel date neared.

But that’s when the poor admin and support became evident. My queries to the Exodus Operations team, intended to ensure proper preparation, were met with generic, outdated direction to the trip notes. Ramadam dates for 2024 and 2025 were irrelevant for 2026, and actual answers remained elusive. The pre-trip administration became a farce: asked for flight details a month out, despite having provided them months prior for the arranged airport transfer. Then, two days later, the exact same request arrived from another team member. My confidence in Exodus’s organizational capabilities plummeted.

Thankfully, when Middle East events cast doubt on the trip, Exodus were back on form. Their communication was swift, options were clear, and the trip was confirmed.

Once in Oman, the experience was truly magnificent, thanks to the incredible team at Zahara Travel. Oman itself, with its stunning landscapes and wonderful people, created cherished memories. While there were minor deviations from the original plan, it became clear Exodus struggles with up-to-date information on their website and trip notes.

Despite the outstanding tour itself, the administrative shortcomings were undeniable. As an experienced fellow traveller aptly put it, “Exodus are not the company they once were.” This trip certainly didn’t demonstrate value for money or actions consistent with their promises.

Most Inspirational Moment

The diversity of the landscapes and wonderful people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mashal. Was a brilliant tour leader and he always gave so much to the group - including the world's best chips (crisps). Ad hoc stops, light the Opera House at night and his ability to impart knowledge and offer advice in such a natural manner all very much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be respectful of the people and the culture. Immerse yourself in Oman and she will repay you many fold