Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many it's difficult to choose! But an unexpected highlight was a visit to the Museo Archeologico Faggiano in Lecce. Not on the itinerary, but a fascinating introduction to the history of Lecce - a chance discovery of Roman ruins under a house when undertaking sewerage works.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Unfortunately our original group leader became suddenly unavailable just as the trip was about to start. This was managed reasonably well by the tour company on the ground. However, we were not given an adequate explanation of what happened, though it was inferred that the tour leader had suddenly decided against doing the tour. The stand-in leader arrived on the afternoon of the second day. Unfortunately he had not taken an Exodus tour before and his knowledge of the itinerary was limited and he sometimes had to resort to reading from Wikipedia to relay information about places and events. His English was poor and this lead to a number of misunderstandings between him and the group, for example regarding costs and timings. The combination of these factors meant that we had a less than optimal experience and certainly were not as well-informed about the history and locality as we have been on other Exodus trips. On the plus side he worked very hard on our behalf and was approachable and accommodating.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Avoid Italian Bank Holidays! And take note of what so many reviewers have said about the need for sturdy footwear, particularly in Matera where the steps can be slippery as well as steep and numerous. The recent change in status from 'Easy' to 'Easy to Moderate' accurately now reflects the level of fitness required to comfortably manage and get the most out of the trip.
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Reply from Exodus
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback and for awarding the tour a 4-star rating. We’re delighted to hear that you found the overall structure of the trip so enjoyable and that Matera, Alberobello, and Ostuni left such a strong impression. These towns truly are gems, and we’re glad the central, characterful accommodations added to your experience.
We’re sorry to hear that the Eos Hotel in Lecce didn’t meet expectations. Your comments about its location, atmosphere, and breakfast offerings are noted and appreciated. We understand how important the final stop of a trip can be, and it’s disappointing to hear that this part didn’t reflect the high standards set earlier in the tour. We’ll be reviewing this feedback with our local partners to explore alternative options that better align with the rest of the itinerary.
It’s also helpful to hear your thoughts on the local guide in Lecce. We aim to provide consistently excellent guiding throughout our trips, and we’ll take this on board as we continue to improve.
Thank you again for your thoughtful review. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!
The Exodus Team
