Reviews

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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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

A fantastic trip with a great group of people, led by a very professional tour leader. The trip is as physically and mentally challenging as you choose….

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many..........Our Tour leader (Juan Carlos) passionate history lesson en route to Santiago de chile which was an amazing insight into the local perspective on recent Cuban history ...... Buena Vista concert night was like taking 50 year step back in history ....... Cycling amongst beautiful people who are satisfied with a very simple but happy life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Carlos was the tour highlight for me, what an inspirational man ! He studied languages at University and speaks fluent English (as well as Spanish, Italian and Portuguese), has an unbelievable knowledge on Cuban history and has the rare ability to tell the story in a way that everyone's opinions and beliefs are respected. He is also a very accomplished cyclist and understands/accommodates different age groups and cycling abilities. Exodus have a very special tour leader in Juan Carlos. Juan Carlos also leads his team very well (Eduardo "Tokayo" and Tunas) Eduardo and Tunas are very professional (and funny) bus drivers and both are handy bike mechanics too !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about the cycling, a reasonable level of fitness will get you through.....there is always the option of sitting out a leg or two in the bus and the segments are very sensibly put together (individual segments between 12-20km). Take some cycling gels and sport snack bars.

Reviewed January 2014

ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS

A packed itinerary that gives you the opportunity to experience a lot that this fantastic country has to offer. Stunning scenery and a fantastic guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing glaciers and ice on the beach - very difficult to describe if you haven't seen it. Breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjan was absolutely brilliant from the moment we met him at the airport. He's so passionate and knowledgeable about his country that I've learnt loads about Icelandic culture, geology and history. Nothing is too much trouble for him. Thank you so much!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take LOTS of thermal layers you'll never have enough! You can get soaked at the waterfalls so waterproofs are a must. I could've done with something to cover my face as the windchill is painful without it (especially when it's raining/snowing at the same time). There are a few long drives as other reviews mention but there are many stops to break it up and Kristjan made sure we had lots of opportunities to take photos of the stunning landscape.

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

An amazing trip that is an absolute must! Fun, friendship, culture and fantastic cycling – what could be better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, but just as an example... Rooftop bars with fantastic music. Some challenging but truly inspirational cycling in the hills. Driving in classic cars through Cuban cities. Eclectic hotels with character and lovely warm staff. Hilarious travelling companions and superb tour guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Carlos was amazing. Full of knowledge about this amazing country and always very professional. He had the patience of a saint and respected everyone's individual needs. Can't give this man enough credit. A good guide is worth their weight in gold. Special mention to our superb coach drivers, Tunas and Edwardo. They kept us fed, watered and most importantly they kept us smiling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some energy snacks - you need them for the big cycling days. Also take plenty of sunscreen and expect some hot weather. Best advice is that if you go with an open mind, roll with the punches and accept that you might be without a few luxuries for a few weeks, then you will love it.

Reviewed January 2014

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

This was one of the "birding" departure dates, with the emphasis obviously on seeing many of the 800-odd resident and migrant species found in Costa Rica. There were plenty of opportunities for birding but other wildlife was not ignored so don’t let this put you off these dates if (like me) you aren’t a serious bird watcher.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing baby turtles scrambling out of their nests and scuttling down the beach at Tortuguero to reach the sea - truly unforgettable and really set the standard for the rest of the trip.Watching and photographing a three-toed sloth for half an hour in Manuel Antonio NP as it slowly clambered about in a nearby tree.Seeing hummingbirds for the first time, then seeing yet more and even more after that!! Getting some shots of these beautiful birds in flight as they darted from flower to flower or hovered near the feeders.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gio was really great - first and foremost truly brilliant at spotting and identifying birds, but his depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and love for his country, the birds and animals as well as the culture really shine through.Gio was also very good at organising and tailoring walks and tours to suit the group or individuals, and was flexible enough to change the itinerary where necessary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Costa Rica is a truly beautiful country, and the people are welcoming and charming. If you are considering this trip then go, the wildlife alone makes it worth it, then you have the forests, volcanoes and beaches and people. As a keen photographer I lugged my big heavy 70-400mm zoom around with me most of the time, and it was well worth the effort, as a 300mm zoom wouldn't have had enough reach for some of the bird sightings. Having said that, on a few of the late afternoon birding walks I left the camera behind as the light levels drop after 4pm or so, and it was great just to forget about photography and enjoy watching the birds through binoculars or the guide's very good telescope.At Santa Elena Cloud Forest I opted out of the afternoon canopy walk and spent a brilliant couple of hours photographing hummingbirds at the feeding station to get the best of the available daylight, so there can be a bit of flexibility in the itinerary if you want to get the most from photographing the wildlife. Be prepared to up the ISO to 1600 or 3200 to capture fast movement or freeze birds hiding in trees and shadows. So many shots were deleted because shutter speeds were too low.I took a small netbook with me to back up and review my photos each day - really great to see what you've shot on a bigger screen, and maybe learn from mistakes for the next day. I also took a couple of 32GB/95 MB/sec cards as I was shooting in RAW, sometimes in 7fps bursts.

Reviewed January 2014

PATAGONIAN HIGHLIGHTS

This was a fantastic experience which we wouldn’t have been able to replicate travelling by ourselves. The scale and the vastness of Patagonia was truly beyond our imagination. However, sharing this with a great group of people and led by an excellent guide, allowed us to get the most out of the adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt both Claire and I felt that reaching the viewpoint at Torres del Paine was wonderful. We were lucky with the weather that day and, although the wind did blow, the sky was clear and the views were better than any photograph because we were there! It was a longish day with the last hour being a stiff climb up across a boulder slope but that made the achievement even more worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was an exceptional guide. Nothing was too much trouble and he had a great range of knowledge. He was also an expert in recovering lost items that some of us left in buses, aeroplanes and hotels. He allowed us to be completely relaxed because despite his easy going nature, his organisational skills were exceptional and this meant we always left on time and had no problems with any leg of the travels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared. Have proper footwear and clothing for ALL weathers. We had sushine in Buenos Aires and snow in Ushaia. Temeratures ranging from 28C to freezing. And did I mention the wind?

Reviewed January 2014

TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND

A well-organised, varied and very enjoyable trip with great leaders and nice group members which did what it said on the tin. A good mix of travel and walking and other outdoor activities – a perfect first taste of NZ.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say - the immediate immersion into the relaxed NZ vibe after the stresses of the UK pre-Christmas rush, the amazing volcanic landscapes round Rotorua, fabulous lake-side accommodation at Lake Taupo, the bizarre lunar landscape on the Tongariro crossing, the remote windswept beaches of the west coast of South Island, the lush greenery and deep inlets of Fjordland, the majesty of (unfortunately mist-shrouded) Mount Cook - the list goes on.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham and Chris (respective group leaders for North and South Island parts of the trip) were both very capable and efficient as well as being friendly, impeturbable and very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and history of NZ. They worked really hard to ensure we had the best holiday possible and to facilitate group members contributing as well ot the experience. I really don't think they could have done any more than they did and indeed they exceeded our expectations e.g. Chris invited us to his house for a buffet lunch on Christmas Day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to get a general overview of New Zealand in as short a time as realistically possible, with a bit of walking and other outdoor activities throughout, I can highly recommend this trip.

Reviewed January 2014

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Quite simply an amazing holiday. Jordan and it’s people are beautiful and welcoming. The tour is very well organised and makes sure you see the highlights of Jordan in a short time as well as having time to get a feel of the country, especially when on the bike. The cycling is breathtaking and scenery peaceful and inspiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was simply awe inspiring. You could walk four hours and still not be tired of the amazing sights. Make sure you bring you camera. I found the best time to take pictures of the treasury was at the end of the day when the light which richer and fewer tourists around. Close runners up: star gazing in the wadi rum by night and floating on the Dead Sea, a surreal but fun experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was Danny. He was very passionate and knowledgeable about his country and was a wonderful host. He got the right balance between organising us, encouraging us on the longer rides, and having a laugh. Best bit was him dancing by the ride soda along with hour mechanic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

For female cyclists, definitely bring a gel saddle cover! And if you're going in the winter having cycling sleeves is an easy way to adjust your temperature but make sure you take your thermals for at night, especially if you feel the cold easily. And buy the kohl in Petra (for your eyes); it's nothing like the stuff you get back here. Oh an no duty free on Royal Jordania airline, so make sure you use up all you Jordan money at the airport before you leave.

Reviewed January 2014

AMALFI COAST & BAY OF NAPLES

Excellent organized trip. We didn’t have to worry about anything. Eduardo our guide was very helpful and we had all the information we needed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amalfi is a very good experience. There are a lot of places to see around and each has a unique experience. It depends a lot on the day and the weather

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very helpful and well organized.

Advice for Potential Travellers

December can be a bit cold at the place where the hotel is. So don't forget to take warm clothes especially for evening when you dine together with others. If u don't already know, try reading the history as Pompeii, herculaneam has a huge history behind them. It adds to the experience.

Reviewed January 2014

WALKING IN NORTH CYPRUS

A variety of walking and sightseeing with some quite tough walks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Laurence Durrell's house in Bellapais, the crusader castles of Buffavento and St Hilarion, Kyrenia harbour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our walk leader Tugberk Emirzade was excellent. His knowledge and love of the island made the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect some toughish climbs to the Crusader castles - worth it for the views if you don't suffer from vertigo!!

Reviewed January 2014

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Great trip – go and book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

This trip was just as described. There was so much packed in in just one week, so we saw all the best bits of Jordan. The cycling isnt that onerous, really just an add on to the other sightseeing, although Jordan can be quite hilly! Often the bus took us to high points so that most of the cycling was downhill. On our tirp (dec - Jan) it was pretty cold at the higher places, so do make sure you bring plenty of warm clothes and some decent gloves. These were needed at Wadi Rum as well. No-body had their own bike - the rental bikes were OK but it may be worth checking that they definitely have one assigned to you before departing, as in my case they thought I was bringing my own!Petra and Jerash are fabulous - be prepared for quite a bit of walking in Petra, its a big place!Hotels were variable in quality, but to be fair that was made clear in the trip details. Food was generally great, with plenty of snacks on the cycling days. You wont loose any weight!In summary, a great trip. Jordan is a wonderfully scenic place and you will see lots of it in just one week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pretty good!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just pack according to the season

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