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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Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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Reviews

Reviewed April 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

If you’re wondering whether you should go on this holiday I would say (if you have a good level of fitness) stop thinking about it and book it – it will be one of the best (if not THE best) holiday you have ever been on! With Suresh and his team looking after you, you can experience this beautiful country the best way possible – on a bike (or in the van if you fancy)

Most Inspirational Moment

I found the people of Sri Lanka the most inspiring part of this holiday. From the small children who are clearly so excited to see you riding through their village, to the people encouraging you along the way, to the kindness and friendliness of all the people we met where we stayed I would say the Sri Lankans really made this holiday for me. By far the friendliest people of all the countries I've been too. Considering such a violent recent history I found it a very humbling experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh and his team were - quite simpy - fantastic. None of the group had to think for the whole time we were there. You woke up, ate, went outside and your bike was all ready and waiting for you. Food and water were just around the corner. Between them they made sure we were all cared for during the cycling from the moment we left to our arrival at the next hotel. At every junction someone would be there directing you and stopping the traffic if necessary. They also arranged regular breaks - often ready waiting with drinks, biscuits and fruit. If you're worried about the logistics of a cycling holiday - don't be - they couldn't make it easier.I've been on a few group holidays now and Suresh is definitely the best leader of all those holidays. His love for his country is very clear and that was fantastic to see as we went to different places. He was also very good at making sure people were aware of what the cycle was going to be like - i.e. the state of the roads (generally very good), sections that would be difficult, the heat of the day - and most importantly what the hotel pool would be like at the end! His patience as 16 people each asked the same question time and time again was admirable...

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're wondering whether you can do the cycling my advice would be - if you're of a good fitness level and you can take the heat then you will be fine. I haven't cycled much since I was a teenager so more than fifteen years ago and I managed to complete all the cycling on this holiday - even up to Nuwara Eliya. I go to the gym about 3 times a week so I am quite fit despite the lack of cycling experience. But it's definitely not a holiday where you can just wing it. The heat gets to you (often 35C), the distances are long, and the country is hilly. Different people find different things difficult but I would say the hardest part for me was (some of) the roads which were quite rough in places (but on the whole were excellent). And the van is always there to pick you up if you need a break.  On a practical level I would say - take more cycling gear than you think necessary and lots of handwash. Invest in a good gel seat and shorts with very good padding. You do get sore but as long as you have the gear you'll be fine. I didn't have as much as I could've taken but it was fine but if I was to do this holiday again I would make sure I had more changes of clothing for cycling as the heat means you sweat a lot. I would also make sure that what you take is 'very active' wear. Take factor 50 and don't do what I did and buy cycling gloves with holes on the back of the hand - that part of your body will burn (badly)

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LINDA REID

Reviewed April 2013

CYCLING PUGLIA

I have mixed feelings about my trip to Puglia with Exodus. The hotels were excellent and the breakfasts were first class in all places that we visited and the staff and locals were all very friendly and helpful. However, the local tour operator used by Exodus did not provide the group with good customer service – i.e. Neither the group leader or the van driver knew anything about bikes and would not have been able to change a tyre if there had been a puncture – fortunately myself and another member of the group were more mechanically minded and would have been able to assist. The tool kit consisted of a tube, tyre levers and a small pump, there was no high pressure pump, no spare bikes or wheels on the so called back up van. There was no cool box in the van to keep the picnic lunches cool. The group leader had no first aid experience and carried no first aid kit which became very apparent after I fell off my bike and had a badly grazed hand and elbow. 2 bikes were badly damaged so the group (not the guide) managed to get one bike on the road after canabalising parts off the damaged bikes, and only then did it become apparent to the tour operator that spare bikes were required to be carried in the van – 2 spare bikes appeared that afternoon so fortunately I was able to continue with the trip. There was also a distinct lack of communication between the van driver and the group leader – the van driver was inexperienced driving from one place to the other and he kept getting lost – no sign of a map anywhere.
The above points are surely prerequisite if a tour operator is to provide a good holiday experience for Exodus customers.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was a fantastic group of people and I enjoyed their company throughout the tour, and the weather was mainly sunny with the occasional shower of rain. Unfortunately I didn't find the scenery inspiring nor the cycling, however the sea at the coast was picturesque the turquoise water shimmering in the sunlight. Matera was extremely unusual with it's caves and layers of houses. Lecce the last town we visited was very pretty with lots of churches, a cathedral and an old roman ampitheater, but neither I would call inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was a very pleasant young woman who came from the North of Italy and did her best to try to please the group and give us assistance with translation where necessary. Unfortunately I feel that she was rather nervous at the beginning of the tour of being with a group of more mature people however, as the week progressed she became more relaxed and we laughed and joked more with her. Sara was unprepared for the unexpected when I had a bad fall from the bike and badly grazed my hand and elbow, she had no first aid kit it was in the van with the driver who was in Ostuni a few miles away. I was badly shocked and in a lot of pain after the accident, however, it was the people in the group who were of assistance to me washing my grazes with water and making sure I was ok - Sara was on the phone and was unsure as to whether the driver would find us as he had no map. So she had no first aid experience and when the first aid kit did appear it was useless having a few plasters and some gel - no dressings and no antiseptic. I can't blame Sara for the first aid kit but the tour organiser should ensure that his group leader is well prepared for accidents which do happen. The driver eventually took me to the local hospital in Ostuni where my grazes were cleaned up and my elbow stitched. He kept getting lost and asking for directions, no sign of a map. I also thought that her knowledge of the area was limited and she was rather unprepared with regards to relaying the history of each area we visited reading from a printed sheet and at times was difficult to understand as her English could have been better. Most days she had difficulty finding the hotels although she did have her Garmin Sat Nav. Sara also had limited knowledge of most of the towns and at times we walked and walked till we found a good restaurant and the food and wine in these were very good so we landed lucky. Sara should have perhaps had the foresight to google the area and find out where the decent restaurants were to be found. On the last night Sara asked us how the trip could be improved so a few of us relayed many of the above points to her which she will feed back to the tour operator. Although Sara wasn't the most experienced tour guide she remained professional at all times and did her best to help individuals with any problems that occurred.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you take your own first aid kit and tool kit if you wish to have a more enjoyable trip than I had A road map of the area will be beneficial so you can direct the driver and the guide in the right direction. Try not to get sick in Southern Italy as the hospital was filthy and the treatment was rough and basic, however, that is perhaps a sign of the economic situation in Italy and is out with the control of any tour operator. If you want decent cycling and scenery don't go.

Reply from Exodus

Thank you for your feedback. I was very sorry to hear of your accident, but I would like to confirm that we are currently investigating the problems you encountered on the trip with our local supplier and to assure you that we will ensure that leaders on this trip carry a first aid kit with them at all times in the future. Our Health and Safety team are aware of your feedback and you will be provided with a full response to the concerns you have raised from our Customer Services team in the following weeks.

The comments we have received from other clients travelling on this tour this year have generally been very positive, but we understand there is always room for further improvement, so please be assured that I will take your feedback on board so that in conjunction with our local operator, we can improve the quality of certain aspects of this trip.

Marta Marinelli – Trip Manager

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Reviewed April 2013

WALKING THE AMALFI COAST

I’d heard the scenery on the Amalfi Coast was great. It certainly was but the walks into the gorges and the walk of the gods was something else. Fantastic!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walks themselves. Truly awe inspiring. It seemed that around every bend was another fantastic view. Photos did not do it justice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say? Suzy was brilliant! She was very knowledgeable of the area including not only every route but the history and flora and fauna and wildlfe relating to those routes. She had a very good relationship with all the hotel staff which made everything so easy and enjoyable for us all. Each day we were given detailed information as to what the walk entalied and any alternatives available should anyone not wish to do the walk. Best guide I've ever had. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're not used to steps (and they're all different shapes and sizes) then a couple of the walks may not be for you but if you can cope with them the rewards are fantastic. Trekking Poles would certainly be useful for those people.

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Reviewed April 2013

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA & PANAMA

A sensational and "safe" way to see the best of Central America by bicycle. You are immersed in the scenery, people and wildlife of the region from the moment you arrive, and are looked after with respect and concern throughout the journey, whilst still maintaining your own independence as much as possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Multiple observations of real life by passing alongside those who live and work in the towns and regions visited. So much activity occurs on the road and the bike is a fantastic way to participate in the journey. You see kids playing with simple toys, families walking to destinations, transportation of just about anything by bike, horse, oxen and people just living their lives. This is an enormous privilege.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob is professional, endlessly patient, interactive, reliable and unwavering in his commitment to us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling is wonderful, and be prepared for hills and heat. I was unaware of the very significant amount of bus travel involved, sometimes for over 3 hours. The bus is not really geared for a full complement of travellers and it can be squashed on board. So if you are expecting continuous cycling, you will be surprised regarding the bus commute, which is not really made apparent in the trip notes, at least not for the amount experienced. But also note there is really no other way to cover the distance so this aspect is unavoidable and it’s also to keep you off the really busy roads and hills. Just know that it is necessary to do the tour and see the 3 countries in the time allowed. There are also numerous restaurant lunch stops, so think about whether you would prefer snacks or lighter meals, rather than commit to these. Lastly, many meals are taken as a group but you can split if you want to, but definitely eat with the group a lot too.

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Reviewed April 2013

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

This is an extensive trip that takes in most of what Sri Lanka has to offer – one night stops only apart from Kandy (3 nights) and Ahangama (2 nights towards the end of the holiday), so expect plenty of travelling with some early morning starts to pack all the sightseeing in. It may be classed as "leisurely" but I found the ascent up Lions Rock at Sigiriya a bit of a challenge and I opted out of climbing Adams Peak, choosing the white water rafting option instead. All jungle walks, cycling,  and other organised and optional activities were most enjoyable and straight forward!

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed the pleasant walk around Horton Plains, followed by one of the best meals of the holiday - beautiful freshly prepared curries and side dishes served in a "local" style roadside hut, way different from the typical tourist restaurants and hotels we'd been eating in up until then. Made a nice change from the endless buffets!I was among 4 more serious photographers who also managed to organise a second game drive around Yala National Park, which despite the 4am alarm call was well worth it. Although no leopard were sighted, we did spot the shy and rarely seen sloth bear digging up ants in some bushes. Despite some frantic jockeying for position between the 3 or so jeeps that were in the vacinity we all managed to get a worthwhile shot or two before the bear shuffled off out of view. Back to the hotel in time for breakfast!I also enjoyed the free time we had in Galle Fort, just wandering around the narrow streets taking in the views. There was a very relaxed, slightly hippy feel to this place with less hassle than some of the towns we'd visited, or perhaps it was just that there were fewer people around being the Sri Lankan New Year. Either way its a lovely place to visit, and a shame we couldn't have stayed longer. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee is a very accomplished and competent group leader. He managed to pull strings and do a lot of organising behind the scenes in order to make sure that most of the groups' expectations were fully met, while keeping in line one particular member of the group who seemed to want the entire itinerary to be tailored to their particular requirements!Sujee clearly loves his home country and wants everyone to feel the same way, whilst his strong Buddhist beliefs keep him calm and assured.Well done and many thanks to Sujee, and his back-up team of Chmi who always made sure the coach was clean and tidy with plenty of cool drinking water always available, and Lasa for driving such long distances safely and comfortably.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The formal evening meal at The Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya was all a bit of a joke really, and not worth the effort. After dressing up in shirt, tie and trousers and borrowing a jacket (which I was told to put back on having found it too warm and uncomfortable to wear), the food and service were just not very good. Never mind, the surroundings and quirky hotel made up for it.April in Sri Lanka was hotter than I expected it to be, but plenty of water was at hand and all but 1 of the hotels were A/C and most had swimming pools. Plenty of sun screen and insect repellent required!The tip kitty organised by Sujee worked really well for us and took the pressure off individuals having to tip guides, restaurant and hotel staff, porters etc. A full account of expenditure was presented to the group for audit on the last day of the trip! Well worth paying into if you get the option.Meals are relatively cheap and sometimes the buffets are good value, especially if you are short of time and feeling hungry. If not then go a la carte but expect a long wait! Even when ordering meals 2 hours in advance there can be a bit of a wait, but that's why beer was invented! Beers are around £2 a bottle, Three Coins being my favourite. Change about £150 at the airport and you'll be OK for the first week or more. I took £500 spending money with me, did most of the optional activities, bought a few souvenirs, ate and drank well and came back with £150 unspent. 

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Reviewed April 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

A holiday that encompassed history, culture, wildlife, wonderful scenery and a wealth of experiences in a non-stop adventure.   The holiday more than lived up to its Highlights of Morocco billing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The history and wildlife of Volabulis, the souks of Fez, the camel ride and camping in the Sahara, the walk above Todra Gorge, the stay in the Berber village and the wind down at the coast were all inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was the oil that kept everything running so smoothly.   Always helpful, informative and cheerful with a permanently optimistic view of life.   Any minor niggles were always promptly and efficiently dealt with and advice on safety, places to eat and tips to keep well were first class.   He helped to bring the group quickly together and added enormously to the enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Everyone in the group had wondered about the taking of a sleeping bag and walking boots for the number of times they were needed and the space they took up in the case.    The boots or stout walking shoes were needed but you could get away with a sheet-sleeping bag and borrow blankets.   Currency is a problem.  You have to get it in Morocco after you arrive and decide how much you need.   £300 to £400's worth for meals, tips and small purchases is about right and extra from ATM's could top it up if required.   You don't want to have much left as the Currency Exchange when you arrive is not easy to find at the airport to change money back.   It's worthwhile having a small gel in your pocket to clean hands before eating food.   Finally the sand in the Sahara can easily damage cameras if the wind gets up and the purchase of one of the sand-proof and waterproof camera containers is worth considering.

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Reviewed April 2013

A WEEK IN JORDAN

Fantastic way to see the sights of Jordan! A great mixture of activities and adventures to suit any level of fitness! A must for all who would like a taste of everything Jordan has to offer!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra is definitely the highlight of this trip, and with two full days there, there is plenty of time to explore its vastness and pure beauty! I can tell you how amazing it is, how mind-blowingly fantastic it is, how you will be seduced by its beauty and wonder...but nothing will prepare you for quite how perfect it actually is. There is so much to see, so much to learn and such an adventure to have there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Sami had a fantastic wealth of knowledge about the entirety of Jordan. It was amazing at quite how much information he knows without any prompts or notes! He also kept us entertained with his 'jokes' and funny tales!

Advice for Potential Travellers

For all those on their first adventure like I was, remember to take a zip-up fleece and some light long trousers. I took one pair of 3/4 length trousers, and a long cardigan, which were fine, but always a good idea to have a backup pair, and the fleece for walking up at the High Place in Petra, if a little windy!You do not need to take too much with you in your case! I took about 5 capped sleeve tops and just washed them in the sink of the hotels as I went along...they dry by the morning if you hang them up!Take a waterproof camera for the boat trip in Aqaba too! I was so glad I did!

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Reviewed April 2013

ESSENTIAL PERU

A long tiring holiday with a few ups and downs, but overall a wonderful experience. The tour would not have been so good without our excellent tour leader organising everything for us!

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sight of Machu Picchu was amazing - I had been feeling unwell for several days, but Machu Picchu made it all worthwhile - I even managed to get to the sun gate!Another moment was watching the wonderful Condors - there were so many and some of them soared over us - it was better than I had hoped for.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marcial our leader was amazing. Throughout the whole holiday he was there all the time - whether at a site or in a restaurant. He sorted out money, tipping, shopping, excursions and entertainment. His English was excellent and he has a great sense of humour.Marcial's knowledge and passion for Peru was fantastic - he really wanted to do the best for everybody - and tried hard to see to everybody even when he had to deal with some people who were suffering badly from altitude related problems.We couldn't have wished for a better group leader!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a trip to take lightly - several people had altitude related problems which were quite draining. 2 of our party weren't able to travel to Lake Titicaca (rejoining the group at Arequipa) and 1 member had to return early to the UK. There were also several cases of 'tummy problems' and as there was no loo on the bus it's worth packing Immodium Instants or similar. There are lots of very long days travelling which is very tiring. However, if you (like me) have always been fascinated by the Incas and Peru then its definitely worth it! The sites and scenery are spectacular and the colourful locals are wonderful.

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Reviewed April 2013

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip. I saw more than I could have expected in two weeks. I thought the balance between cultural sights, activities and relaxation time was excellent. Sujee the tour guide did a fantastic job and helped make the holiday memorable. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Adams peak in the dark and seeing the sun rise was memorable as was the trip to the elephant sanctuary. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was a fantastic group leader. He was very personable and organised and could not have been more helpful. He dealt with everything very efficiently and with a sense of humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip does involve a number of hours travelling between the various sights and activities but the coach was comfortable and the travelling to me was all a part of the experience. 

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Reviewed April 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

A fascinating, beautiful, inspiring and perspiring! cycle tour. The tour is thoughtfully planned, the hotels are great, providing a variety of scenery and terrain,with excellent and comforting support when needed. Not a moment wasted yet wonderfully paced so that relaxation and fun are an essential part as well as being part of the joyous "cycle train"!

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycling! Whether cycling through nature reserves, around an old palace ruins site, on the levee of a reservoir, above the lush palm tree laden rainforests, by paddy fields, by tea plantations and spice trees, whether on small roads or pathways or through towns, whether zooming down winding mountainous roads GO!GO!GO! or pushing hard up hills the other side, and all the time with the wonderful Sri Lankan people waving and children smiling shouting their greetings. Every single day contained many moments of inspiration as well as moments of perspiration.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a great credit to Exodus. We did not have to worry about a thing, just enjoy the rich variety of wonderful experiences. He organised and managed every aspect of our tour in an efficent and unfussy way and always with a big heart, a huge smile and a hilarious giggle! As well as our tour leader I feel honoured to call Suresh my friend. The support team of Uppali, Kussun and Shameron were superb and always there to support us, nourish us,water us and pick us up if the going got too hot.

Advice for Potential Travellers

YOU MUST DO THIS TRIP WITH EXODUS AND SURESH! Ensure that you are fit and prepared to cycle 4-7 hours a day. Make sure you have some pocketable energy foods, a gel saddle, padded shorts, gloves and a cycle helmet. I had a ski helmet which was fine for the UK but far too hot for comfort in the warmth of Sri Lanka. Drink lots of water. Enjoy the scenery and people and make sure you look around you. Most of all, just go with the flow, make sure you get to know everybody, and have lots of fun. Its probably better to do this trip before March / April as it  warms up  by 5-6 degrees more by then.

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