Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14423 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed June 2013

TREASURES OF SICILY

A very busy schedule with little time for relaxation but a great deal was seen. Mini bus was not very comfortable for long journeys and any anyone over 6ft would have only been able to sit on the back seat by the pasageway – only realy suitable for small people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taormina and Erice were wonderful hilltop settlements with plenty to see and wander around. Castelmola with its superb views of Etna was fabulous - sitting drinking almond wine overlooking Etna - fabulous. Taormina's Greek Theatre has a superb site looking along the coast as well at inland to Etna - excellent place. The salt flats near Marsala were fascinating with the piles of salt and windmills - very picturesque! Baroque architecture in Noto marvellous and the site of Ragusa amazing. Mosaics in Monreale unbelievable and Cefalu incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salvo - excellent leader once one understood his accent to realise what he was saying. Plenty of photocopied info given each evening in the briefing for the next day. Very informative and knowledgable. Excellent guide. Arranged suitable restaurants for evening meals or lunch when needed and told us abot delis or supermarkets to have a packed lunches made to order.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Quite a strenuous trip with little time for relaxation - must be really interested in Greek and Roman ruins as we saw so many different sites of similar ruined buildings - some just piles of rubble. Spring is a good time to travel and these old sites were full of wild flowers - which added to the interest of some places - especially Selinunte. Sicilian hotels have no tea/coffee making facilites in the rooms and only plastic tumblers but it was easy to ask for cups as we had taken a travel kettle but there was little time to make use of it!

Reviewed June 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

A wonderful insight to Cuba at a relaxing pace. Plenty of food, fun and rum.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking around Trinidad, visiting Casa del Trova - rum and dancing.Havana - visiting Buena Vista social club - rum and dancing.Food much better than expected and staying the Casa in Trinidad was a real bonus.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, Jorge could not have been better and was very entertaining.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy it all and spend a few days in Cuba afterwards

Reviewed June 2013

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

WOW is the best word to describe this trip. The landscape is vast and amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire trip was inspirational! Yes there are some long drives (one our leader aptly named "Van Appreciation Day") but there is so much to see even that long day passed too quick. The walks were definitely the highlights of course. The Yosemite walk up the waterfall trail was superb, especially walking in the spray from the falls and the sun created rainbows through which we walked - pure magic! Angels Landing in Zion was very exciting and Pam & I will never forget it - standing on the narrow ridge with vertiginous drops on either side of us - wow again! Bryce Canyon was wondrous, the Hoodoos have to be seen to be believed. We walked the Fairyland Trail and the name is spot on. It was early morning and we were the only ones on the trail, silence, birds singing and amazing rock formations all around. We would love to go back and explore more! Of course the Grand Canyon is the most awesome site - it is immense! Walk in the early morning though - it was like an oven! Which did we prefer? Hmm they all have their qualities but we opt for Zion & Bryce, there is something about them that wants us to go back and explore them more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brady our leader was great. He went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed the trip. He even added on some extra locations and little surprises which were not on the itinerary. He gets our vote as leader of the year! He also did all the driving too and was VERY safe, at no time did we feel uncomfortable in the van.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pam & I have been on over 12 trips with Exodus now and the leader has always accompanied us on the walks. However due to some quirk of the parks regulations in the USA in this case he cannot accompany you! But the trails are so easy to follow that you cannot get lost and it was not a problem. Bearing that in mind though ensure you take some first aid with you as the leader would normally carry it for the group! Also follow all his instructions regarding water - you need LOTS of it on the walks. We didn't manage the walk through the narrows in Zion due to lack of time, but in the itinerary it does not mention the need to hire wet suits as the water can be waist deep in places!One last word - the van holds about 13 travellers and would be very cramped with a full complement. As there were only 7 in our group we could spread out and swap seats as we went along. This added to the pleasure and comfort of the trip.

Reviewed June 2013

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Jordan is a crucible of ancient civilisation history and the sights of Petra and Jerash do outstand. How we also managed to fit in; getting mudified in the dead sea, seeing the sunrise (alright well not quite) on camel back and dolphin spotting in the red sea into our jammed packed week still baffles me. The only conclusion can be that time stands still in Jordan.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq - but of course everyone says that. So it would have to be bobbing away in the dead sea for pure comedy value.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Alaa, studied archaelogy and was the perfect person to tell us all about the history of Jordan. But at the same time was keen that we should understand Jordan as a modern Isalmic country including its culture, international relations and economy. It was my first trip to the middle east and I certainly learnt a lot!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Stock up on your favourite tipple at duty free as its quite hard to find anything once you've landed (and not that cheap either).

Reviewed June 2013

MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

So good I did it a seconds time. I loved this trip (Mid May 2012), it’s not too far to travel and I’m not away from home and work for too long. You can nip there fore a long weekend, and experience some great challenges, Moroccan culture and have a laugh with new friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

The night before the summit we slept in Refuge du Toubkal pretty basic but as I expected at 3207 meters up a mountain. Actually it was a great place. 30 people in a room, it was pretty cramped but added to the experience. The beds had mattersses and pillows and were comfy, food good fresh, toilets and showers were very basic but did the job. Expect to queue. It was all communal. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g488109-d1057313-Reviews-Refuge_du_Toubkal-Imlil_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html The 4 hours walk to the summit at 6am was very hard work. Steep, snow patches, lots of scree, I'd recommend taking a walking pole. In Mid May the wind was very high and very cold, sub zreo, the forecast was minus 12. It was freezing! All added to the challenge, and the great feeling when you bag the summit!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was my second trip up Toubkal, I also did this same trip in June 2011 with a different leader. In camparison, this leader was not very good, he was ok. He didn't meet us from the airport, I had to contact the UK office. Eventaully a non English speaking driver picked us (8 people) up. We checked in the hotel with no word of what the plan was. Eventaully the UK office advised me the leader would meet us all that evening. I expected this as soon as we arrived. Generally as we were walking he didn't keep the group (of 15) together, so we were all sprawled out. Tighter groups are more social and easier to chat to. Also he didn't point out any of the local history or points of interest as we went up the mountain. As I knew this already, I was giving more informatin out that the group leader! We had a back marker guide who didn't speak English, but he smiled a lot, even when it was frezing! On the whole I wouldn't let this put you off. I was dissapointing though.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before the trip Exodus didn't say that you can check in one 20kg bag into the hold (on Easyjet from Gatwick). This bag also stays with you on the mountain and travels up on the back of a Mule. You can get access to the bag morning and night on the trek. Take your day sack for water, grub, fleece. Check the wather forecast before you go http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Toubkal/forecasts/4167There's plenty of chance to buy water, pop and nibbles on the mountain there were ~10 dirham (£1). We had a laugh buying some local woolly hats from a guy. Highly overpriced compaired to the souks in Marrackesh, but worth the entertainment!The hotel in Marrakesh is called 'Hotel Trois Palmiers' there are two by the same name, this is the smaller one - 3 star. It was very nice, good location, with free Wi-Fi in the hotel reception !!!! This was great for contacting home as mobile costs are expensive. Skype worked well. I think it was £5 in a taxi to el fna square/ 20 - 30 mins walk, and there were lots of cafe's, shops, bars nearby/walking distance.http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-d1931422-Reviews-Les_Trois_Palmiers-Marrakech_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html Altitude sickness affected a few people, particularly feeling nauseous can make or break a summit attempt - get tables from your GP just in case.

Reviewed June 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

If you have any hesitation about doing this trip…don t …do it . It was the trip of a lifetime, very , very special.Its hard work, and a interesting experience walking at high altitude, but well , well worth it .

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Everest , Nupste, Lhotse and the magnificent Ama Dablam for the first time is the most amazing and exciting experience , words cannot describe how thrilling that first sighting is, and photos, though great ,cannot capture the beauty of this amazing place, and its equally amazing , beautiful people .We started as nine strangers plus 3 guides and our lovely Yak man, very quickly becoming good friends looking after and helping each other , sharing our resources and working as a team. Great banter , loads of laughter and great fun and camaraderie Friends for life I hope .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Gele, was fantastic. He consistently looked after us well, everyday making sure everyone was ok, checking for signs of AMS, ensuring we were all safe and well, throughout the trip, offering support, advice and encouragement . Gele also was great fun always had a smile , joke and story to tell us. His kindness, support and friendship helped make the trip very special ,the trip of a lifetime.Our other support guides Nima and Mingma were awesome too , the happiest ,most hard working and kind people I have ever met. It was a great pleasure to have met them and had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks with them,making the trip extra special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our trip was at the beginning of May, which I would definitely recommend(unless we were just extremely lucky )the weather was very, very good , we almost, everyday had consistent blue skys and warm weather and great visibility until the afternoon, where it clouded over , clearing again by late afternoon . We had one afternoon of snow which was lovely , melting the next day , but no real wind or rain. But it is cold at night , higher up, and sometimes in the afternoons. Take clothes you can layer .So bearing in mind our weather experience , take plenty of high factor sunscreen, lip balm and decent sunglasses and hat. Walking poles very helpful, Metal water bottles make fab hot water bottles filled with boiling water, and are then ready to drink the next day . Your appetite does take a nose drive at altitude so worth taking some high energy snacks, nuts (which you can buy there in most places) and jelly beans for instant energy were a hit .Maybe a few Strepsils for the Khumba cough , it was dry and dusty at times, and definitely a buff , a must have.I took Crocs for the evening which were great, really light to pack, you can get socks under them and great for wearing in the shower.Train as much as you can, though nothing can prepare you for altitude , the fitter you are the easier and more enjoyable it will be, you do need plenty of stamina , even coming down , although exciting is still quite hard work.Take your time and just enjoy the magnificent sights .

Reviewed June 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

Excellent! I was expecting big things from this holiday & was not disappointed.Exodus did deliver, the next hiking/adventure etc. holiday i plan will definately be with Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching dead womans pass was a real achievment.Watching the sun set at 3200m whilst camping in the cloud forest was pretty spesh.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Holger "Ollie" Colliantes) was exceptional. Not just whilst on the trek but at all times during our holiday. He was always available to help with anything but not in your face. While on the trek he had everybodies health & best interests at the front of his mind, but also felt like one of the group. His knowledge was also exceptional. 10/10 nice job Ollie

Advice for Potential Travellers

When they say the porters can only take 7kg, they can only take 7kg. Be prepared to rough it for four days, but its well worth it.

Reviewed June 2013

AMALFI COAST & BAY OF NAPLES

A fun week, with a mix of walking, sightseeing, and food. Lots of food! Although I work for Exodus, I paid to do this tour and felt it was great value considering how much we saw and did. The hotel you stay at really felt like a home away from home too.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Walk of The Gods is a lovely walk, taking you from the doorstep of your hotel along winding paths overlooking a beautiful stretch of coast. The highlight for me, however, was the city of Herculaneum. Whilst smaller than Pompeii, I found it easier to imagine it as a bustling city before the mudslides brought about by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius covered it for centuries. The guide there really brought the city to life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was a funny, knowledgable local leader who knows the area inside out. He's understandably proud of the region and takes great pride in showing people around. He's travelled the world too, so his dinner time stories of his days as a boat captain were as fascinating as his insights into local culture and food. His willingness to try and ensure everyone got what they were looking for out of the holiday meant a couple of unscheduled stops too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring trousers/shorts with a bit of room. You will expand over the course of the week! My wife and I are big eaters but weren't prepared for the sheer amount of food (several courses every night) at the hotel. It was all delicious and we'd feel ready to burst as we waddled back to our rooms each night. If you have a food allergy or just have something you fancy, don't be scared to let the staff at the hotel as well as your tour leader know, as they're prepared to go "off menu" to ensure you're catered for and happy. Another review talks about getting better food at a local restaurant but I found the food at the hotel fantastic and we even chose to eat there on our free day to sample some of the dishes from previou nights again. On hearing that my wife had never had squid ink spaghetti, the chef even made the effort to order it in and prepare it for us during one of the group dinners. I just wish I'd recorded some of the kitchen demostrations so that I could make some of the food now that I'm home.

Reviewed June 2013

EVEREST BASE CAMP

It’s when you walk from Namche Bazaar and get to the top of the ridge. Then all you see in front of you is Nupste,Lhotse and Everest. It literally leaves you speechless and it’s the one memory I will cherish most.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip was walking from Gorak shep alongside a glacier and hearing a huge crack. I looked up to my right and saw an avalanche tearing down slopes of a mountain alongside us. I videod the remnants of the slide and watched the powder cloud disperse and then continued with my walk. Finally after about 2 hours I walked into base camp and felt totally shattered. But it was the best moment of my life and I got to share it with people I just met who are now friends for life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group leader was amazing. Gele and his team were the most amazing hard working group of men I have ever met. Every morning they woke us up with black tea and coffee and put our breakfasts in front of us. Truly men amongst men. There kindness cannot be written in words and whenone of our group came down with AMS , you could see the concern of Geles face and he worked extremely hard to get her down the mountain by chopper. The best part was that the lady who suffered AMS wanted to still get to base camp and gele walked with her all the way until she got there and kept his promise. A truly great leader and I cannot thank that man enough for his patience and big heart.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes....I spent the 6 months before base camp going up and down Snowdon sometimes three times a week. When I got to Lukla and started trekking I found it hard for the first few days and tiring. I explained to my leader Gele that I felt tired and howcome? Gele explained that the majority of people spend their time going up and down mountains as training and he didn't understand why. He said the best training was cardio exercise like cycling or jogging and yoga to make the most of your lungs. In future I will definately be taking this advise and hopefully it pays off :)

Reviewed June 2013

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Awesome, Fantanstic, Exilirating.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational thing about the whole trip is although we had a group of mainly strangers from all over the world, everyone pulled together and made the trip very enjoyable, whether your a lone traveller, brother sister or married this trip will suit everyone.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was encouraging and put everyone at ease, his interaction with the whole group was remarkable and his briefings after dinner made the itinery very clear and gave everyone clear expectations of what to expect for the coming days..... well done !!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only advise i give is to enjoy it, get out walkng in the hills before you go to get the muscles going, listen to the advise the guides give you, after all they have done it many times. Take a good sleeping bag and mat although the hire equiptment is extremely good quality and relativily cheap (and it saves you buying it) be prepared and it will be a blast. Have a good waterproof jacket and trousers and take good warm clothes for summitting, it can be extremely cold, stay organised. Finances, well normally american dollars will be just fine, it's easier to manage and work out, ATM can be problamatic but taking cash isn't an issue if you keep it safe, i kept mine with me all the time, visa for tanzania is 50USD tips for the guides and porters I suggest keep 150USD set by, it sounds alot but it's not, you will feel much better about it during and after the trip, these guys work so hard !! and look after you all week.Add some dollars for food at the hotel and some Kilimanjaro beer to celebrate your trip... :-) Exodus plan this trip very well, and i am glad i had their expertise !!! Good Luck.. and enjoy the feeling of reaching the top ^ .

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