Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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The trip was well-organized. Everything went according to plan and our expectations were met in terms of logistics, accommodation and guiding.
Most Inspirational Moment
Many highlights! Pompeii and Herculaneum, the museum in Sorrento, Ravello, the boat ride from Amalfi to Positano, Paestum and the buffalo farm, the view from the lookout at Bomerano...
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paolo exceeded our expectations of what a group leader would be. He was omnipresent, attentive, and approachable. He was in constant communication with us about what to expect and any changes in the program. He had a seemingly inexhaustible depth of knowledge about the region, past and present, and the economic and social changes it is undergoing. His contribution enriched our experience of the tour and it was a pleasure to know him.
We arrived in Columbo to rain to be met by our smiling guide for the trip who introduced himself as Suresh. From there on, everyday was different, due to the time of year the weather was a little chilly in the hills but improved greatly as we descended to the lower levels. Suresh was amazing and everyday, he showed us something different and made sure our holiday experience was amazing. Suresh’s ability to spot wildlife on our cycling trips was unbelievable, almost as if he had planted the wildlife!!. I have taken some amazing photographs from the holiday and Suresh has provided us with his amazing photographs also. Suresh always seemed to go out of his way to make our holiday experience better and better, he is a star. The whole team was incredible, nothing was too much trouble and they were always looking out for our best interests, including keeping us safe. Best Exodus cycling trip yet, amazing wildlife, amazing Sri Lankan experiences, amazing leader, amazing team.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suresh was fantastic, he made sure our every needs were looked after and provide so many experiences we were not expecting. His ability to ensure everyone we interacted with, hotel managers, chefs, guides, café owners etc. all looked after us and made sure our wellbeing, tastes etc. were all catered for.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The bike ride on day 6 marked as challenging is VERY challenging, if you are determined to ride it, be sure you are very fit, it is unrelenting. If in doubt, take the train option...or an electric bike!
I’ve wanted to visit Andalucia for more than 20 years and this trip did not disappoint. It was, to me, the perfect blend of rural walking and city time- with my favorite moments being the pastures and small villages, learning about olive production, local plants, and life in Algamitas. The Cortijo is lovely, and though simple, had everything we need (including a pool!) The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful and Felipe, the manager, was especially thoughtful in taking care of everyone. My traveling companion and I both have dietary/medical restrictions and Felipe and the wonderful kitchen staff went to great lengths to ensure we had what we needed (we know gluten free pasta, bread and cereal can’t be easy to come by in a rural area, and that making a separate version of a meal is a lot of work), but made it seem effortless. Our guide, Miguel, is funny and personable and knows so much about the area: archaeology, geology, plant life, birds, and people- and he clearly makes a great effort to know the neighbors in the village and connect with people. He also runs a tight ship to keep people safe and cared for! He also goes to great lengths to make sure his groups have a great time and get to do the things they want to do. I thought the walking was the right challenge for a level 2- the biggest variable was the sun and heat, but he made sure we were hydrated and prepared. We didn’t have any rain, but that would also make for a different kind of challenge. And we lucked out with a group of lovely, funny, caring fellow-travelers. This trip was to celebrate my friends’ and my 40th birthdays this year, and it was exactly what we wanted it to be!
Most Inspirational Moment
Miguel arranged for us to see a top-quality flamenco show in Sevilla. Everyone in our group who went was really impressed and energized by the performance.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Miguel is awesome. So knowledgeable, fun, safety-focused, and makes an effort to connect. He ensured there were modifications for people on days when they only wanted to do part of the hike, made sure everyone stayed hydrated, and took us to some nice coffee shops and bars in the small villages that not only broke up the walking day nicely, but helped us see more of how people live in the surrounding villages. He knows a ton about the geology, birds, plant life and history of the region. It was seldom that I asked him a question he couldn't answer. He also made sure we had interesting recommendations for the "on your own" excursions. He took great care of us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Carry a light pack that allows for a lot of water- it is hot, even in late October, bring your rain gear just in case, and make sure you have the right foot gear. Also, do all the "optional" pieces you can. We had the opportunity to do an extra afternoon in Ronda and it was GREAT. If you have that option, do it!
Exodus organisation was very well put together and the tour guide, Sergey Matrosov was the perfect person to lead the trip. He immersed himself into the group and had a passion for his country and was extremely knowledgable in the history of all sites visited.
Most Inspirational Moment
It is difficult to single out particular highlights as the itinerary had so much variety to offer that everything we experienced was a highlight in itself. But one place that stood out for me was the Aya Kala Forteress in the desert. This place has a special energy and was well worth including on the itinerary.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sergey Matrosov was the perfect tour leader. He fully immersed himself into the group, was very well organised, had a passion for his country and was extremely knowledgeable about the history and facts of every place on the itinerary. His friendliness and social persona was well received by the whole group and everyone held him in high regard.
Having booked somewhat last minute, we were anxious approaching our first multi day trek, mostly about our fitness (particularly for me as an energetic 57 year old weekend walker without any training regime), but also about travelling with strangers for 8 days. We need not have been. It was hugely challenging, especially with the unseasonably hot weather (34-36C), but the demanding ascents/descents and long days were achievable and gave us a huge sense of achievement at the end of each day. Campsites were amazing, from dusty village to green (but mostly dry) oasis and awe-inspiring mountain plateau. We barely saw a soul during the days and only small numbers of villagers at night. Seeing the little group of green tents already set up below us as we made our final descent of the day and knowing that the wonderful Exodus team would have a absolutely delicious dinner on, a brew and biscuits (or sometimes pancakes straight from the pan) on arrival was a fantastic reward at the end of each day’s walking. It was a real privilege to be looked after by such experienced, dedicated and kind people – and a hardworking mule. We always felt safe and our guide Mohamed ensured that the pace was regulated to push us onwards, but give decent rests. Lunch was a welcome reward each day, and quite extraordinary given the environment to have a hot dish and a beautiful spread of salads and fresh bread with mint tea. Shade was our one issue during the day, this is a dry landscape that is suffering as a result of climate change. But our team always found lunchtime shade and encouraged us to lie down and rest on carpets after we had eaten our meal! Our group were great, lots of different characters and ages, from multiple countries, travelling as couples, friends or individuals; everyone looked out for each other and the conversation was endless and enriching. We felt exceptionally lucky to have made our last minute decision – it was 100% one of our best ever trips.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sitting in our tent doorway looking out at an endless vista of empty desert mountains as the sun set.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kind, motivating and hugely expert in the field, Mohamed was a man you could trust.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Camping is comfortable on thick foam mattresses. We rented v clean sleeping bags from Exodus and took silk liners which freed up space in our luggage (we were heading onwards to a week of r&r in Essaouira afterwards and needed extra clothes etc). Food is superb, fresh and v suitable for vegetarians. Toilet tent is fine for a group of 13, and not too grim! We didn’t use walking poles and were fine, but plenty of others did. Take 2 x 1l water bottles, refilling is always possible, but we got through a lot. Definitely worth taking energy bars and/or trail mix, they do provide some snacks, but you burn a lot of energy and it can really help push you over the next pass!
One of the best Exodus trips I have experienced. Exodus was able to select the best locations of Morocco to provide an experience not to be forgotten for a long time. We were 15 in our group and we were all quite fun and enjoyable with each other during the long bus rides and tour walks and meals together. We enjoyed the tours of Marrakech, Fez, and Essaouira. Quite thrilling to ride the camels on the Sahara Desert. The sunrise and sunsets on the Sahara were spectacular.
Most Inspirational Moment
Tours of Fez (tannery, porcelain shops, Medina and the souk). Camel ride in the Sahara Desert and seeing the sunrise and sunsets while staying at the Bedouin campsites. Our group leader took us to his family’s village in the High Atlas region was heartwarming.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mohamed was the best ever. He was energetic, full of information, extremely helpful, resolved our concerns and a great person to have met and be with. I don’t know how he was able to find and retrieve the phone of a member in our group who dropped it in the Sahara Desert ! A miracle!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long bus rides (but with frequent stops for driver rest, coffee and toilet breaks). Almost all of our tour members got stomach problems so be prepared for this to occur. I was one that didn’t have issues - use bottled water for everything (brushing teeth, washing hands, and drinking liquids). Be aware when showering or washing face not to get the water in your mouth. Food is great but be careful in eating fruits and vegetables that was not washed with bottled or filtered water.
Brilliant group of fellow travellers. Our leader Mohammad was so knowledgeable and friendly. Hotels satisfactory. Excellent food. Great mix of cycling and culture.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visit to Petra. But everything was amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Friendly lovely guy who couldn't do enough to make our trip so good.
Everything has been amazing. Much more than I ever expected. Everyone has been so lovely and helpful answering any questions we have!
Most Inspirational Moment
Going to the elephant sanctuary.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rhat was just the best! Made me feel so comfortable and was so easy to talk to and get to know and was able to answer any questions we had for her. She also helped to introduce us to more local snacks while travelling between places as well as able to recommend more local foods when in restaurants.
