Reviews

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

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13475 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed April 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

I went on this trip with very little expectation or knowledge of the region – massively underprepared, however with a great bunch of people, a fantastic leader and guides I found this one of the best trips of my life. I would highly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip had it's hard days, but it also had its easy days. A couple of us (with a guide) set of earlier than the main group on the morning of the Gokyo Ri summit, and although we missed sunrise by about 10 minutes it was such a spectacular view.I also really enjoyed the scramble to the top of the Cho La Pass, the day was long and hard but very rewarding - this was more of what I was expecting of the trip.Reaching Base Camp was amazing, there was alot of activity on the trail up, which was a bit of a shock because the route we had taken to get there past the Gokyo lakes and over the Cho La was quite quiet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Prem was amazing. He was undoubtedly key to making the trip as enjoyable as it was. He was so easy to get on with and extremely knowledgable. We also had 2 guides, Indra and Norbu, both did a great job. Prem was always making sure we were prepared every evening for the following day, making sure we were drinking enough whilst walking, always on the lookout for signs of mountain sickness and always trying to accomodate the different demands of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip doesn't necessarily demand you be at your physical peak, I certainly am not and still managed the trip, although you do need to be prepared, half of our group were on Diamox for the higher parts of the trip. The actual walking wasn't that difficult, there were a couple of long days towards the end, and a couple in the middle, but all in all it was a nice steady pace so very managable.Things I wish I had taken: more wet wipes - very handy when you haven't seen a shower for a couple of days; a thin buff or dust mask - the trails get very dusty, expecially when following a herd of yaks and finally a pack of playing cards (althogh thankflly someone else had thought of this) they help pass the time in the evenings when its snowing outside and there's nothing much else to do.

Suggestions

I booked this trip without much research into it, and how difficult it could be - I just want to say, don't be put off by the talk of how difficult it wan be. I'm not saying it can be done be a complete novice with no experience of trekking, but I hadn't been above 2000m before this trip, and I had only been on one walking holiday prior to this and that was only for 5 days, not quite the 16 days this was. If you have the mental stamina and reasonable fitness, book up - its more than worth it.Oh, and when you're packing, if you find you've forgotten something, or after talking to people on the first couple of days of walking realise you want something you didn't even think about packing you'll be fine, you can pick up almost anything an Namche Bazaar (even a decent coffee, and a game of pool in an irish bar)

Reviewed April 2012

ESSENTIAL PERU

This was a wonderful holiday and a truly great experience. Peru has eveything – stunning scenery, friendly people, ancient civilisations and cultures, a unique wildlife and more – and this tour gives a generous helping of it all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu has to be the single most impressive archaeological site that you will ever see, with that first view in the early morning being absolutely jaw-dropping. No books or photos do it justice; it really has to be seen to appreciate the magic of the place. But there was so much else as well; the condors at Colca, the mummies at the Chauchilla cemetery, the stay on Amantani island, the Ballestas trip, endless Inca buildings, museums, markets, churches, the brilliant colours everywhere, the friendliness of the people...........

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan, the group leader, is simply the best. His in-depth knowledge of just about everything we saw, his enthusiasm for showing us his country, his instinct for reading the group psychology and his organisational abilities made the whole two weeks go like clockwork. The drivers should also be congratulated for getting us around very difficult terrain on a very long trip with absolute safety and reliability, always patient, friendly and on time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a pair of binoculars as well as a camera.By far the best restaurant we found on the whole trip was Granja Heidi in an upstairs room on Cuesta San Blas, 5 minutes from our hotel in Cusco. This trip can be hard work. It covers 3000km by bus with much of it at high altitude and there’s a lot of sightseeing on foot, often in very strong sunshine. Minor health upsets (diarrhoea, altitude effects, sunburn) are easily picked up. So listen to the guide’s advice, take the uphill bits at your own speed and keep the water handy. None of it is beyond the reach of the average person with a bit of common sense.

Suggestions

This is a terrific experience with great memories. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed April 2012

THE AMALFI COAST

First group holiday. Lovely bunch of people made all the difference and an excellent Guide in Francesco.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Walk of the Gods and being on the edge of the crater of vesuvius.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Francesco was a charming , informative and entertaining host. We loooooved him!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

In case of luggage delay take at least your boots, waterproof jacket, socks and clean undies in your HAND luggage. This will at least enable you to enjoy the first 72hrs of your holiday!! (not that it stopped us having a great time!!) Gatwick failure (electric) not Exodus fault.

Suggestions

Fantastic holiday. A first for us and we will definately be repeating the exodus experience. The Hotel Due Torri was lovely and the staff were fabulous both in rescuing our luggage and in their warm and friendly hospitality.

Reviewed April 2012

LAND OF THE TIGER

A truly excellent trip, from start to finish. For any wildlife fanatic seeing tiger in the wild is a must – awe-inspiring and majestic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The anticipation when the guides know when a tiger is close.Seeing tigers in the undergrowth but then mounting up on elephants to get closer to see a family of 5 around a kill. The elephant got within a couple of metres, moved a branch and spooked the adult male, its growl at such close quarters got the heart pounding!Taj Mahal at sunrise - didn't think many buildings could compare with Europe's gothic cathedrals, but this does (and beats them).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was excellent, any problems were sorted quickly with minimal fuss, he was very knowledgeable (better than some of the guides) and very enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tigers are not easy to spot in the wild and we had 6 days when none of the group saw a single one and Bandhavgarh was easily the best place for us with several tiger sightings. Departing in late March seems a good time to see tigers as it is near the end of the dry season but the temperature was touching 40 degrees most days so pretty oppressive! Also, whilst the sleeper train isn't exactly 5* travel, it is nowhere near as bad as it could have been.If you don't like Indian food - be prepared to go hungry - if you do the food is great!

Suggestions

On our trip there was an incident that has raised some safety concerns but I would like to say that at no point did I feel unsafe when travelling by elephant and it would be such a shame if that element of the safari was removed as it allows you a unique view of tigers up close.There were a few comments from others on the party about certain aspects of the accommodation being lacking or some of the timings / bureaucracy encountered. India is a developing world country - these things are to be expected and part of the journey.

Reviewed April 2012

ANCIENT & MODERN JAPAN

We enjoyed every minute of it. It combined a wealth of opportunites to get closer to an understanding of the Japanese view of life with many of the ‘must see’ sites. Add to that the exposure to a fantastic cuisine and a great bunch of fellow travelers, and what more could you ask for?

Most Inspirational Moment

Mount Fuji seen at a distance through a gauze-like haze.Geisha-hunting as they rushed fron client to client in the Gion district of Kyoto Seeing the Ticket Inspector bow to the next compartment as he left - there was no-one there, but it was part of his courteous routine, and he did it, no doubt, to make sure he never forgets to do it when there are people there. So typical of the Japanese way of doing things. The Cherry Blossom in the parks in Tokyo - it did not disappoint

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dan was everything one could expect in a tour leader. Not only was he a great organiser, but he was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of Japan that we were enriched by what he told us. He was also amazing at finding and taking us to eating places that were great on food and atmosphere but didn't break the bank. The only negative thing to say was that he warned us of the contrast between the luxurious hotel of Kyoto and the traditional basic facilities of the ryiokans we were to visit, to such an effect that my wife Mary approached them with great trepidation. In the event they were a marvellous experience which we would not have missed for the world. It was also curious that we elderly married couples seemed to be allocated the few rooms with the most Western facilities. Funny, that.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had the impression before going that it might be difficult to use credit cards or find ATMs. In fact it was very easy - apart from banks and some big shops every 7-11 store had an ATM, and many other places advertised the fact that they had one in the same way that they offered other facilities, like loos or refreshments.

Suggestions

The only real downer of the whole trip was the length of time we spent in the air - 40 hours altogether. One of our party had to leave earlier and flew direct from Tokyo to Gatwick, which, she said, was only a 9 hour flight. We would have been prepared to pay more for a shorter route. Otherwise - don't change anything.

Reviewed April 2012

An experience of a lifetime

This is without a doubt an experience of a lifetime – hard work but well worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are too many to mention but a few of my favourites would include:- Reaching Base Camp after nine days of hard slog- Seeing Everest from the top of Kala Patar- Meeting our guide's father, the only livinig survivor from the original 1953 summit climb- Having a fantastic group of fellow trekkers - The best leader, guide and assistant guides one could ever ask for (Lakpa, Domi, Tikka & Anil)

Thoughts on Group Leader

One word - superb!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not an easy trip and a very good level of fitness is necessary (although it is importan to remember that this is completely un-correlated to how, if at all, your body will react to the altitude) but by being prepared (read the trip notes and fellow travellers' reviews well!), having an open mind and whole heap of positive attitude will serve you well. Oh and don't forget to drink lots and lots of water and walk slowly every day!!

Suggestions

A fastastic way to see a stunning part of the world!

Reviewed April 2012

ATLAS PANORAMA

Wonderful varied holiday with the delights of Marrakech vying with the stunning beauty of the High Atlas Mountains. The latter won!

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up to snow one early morning in the High Atlas.Taking tea with a local family and watching it being prepared - pure magic and humbling. Hearing a nightingale in the valley near the gite.The last walk on the last morning down to meet the van when we were leaving. The morning was perfect and we ambled along with Hassan while some went ahead (breaking the golden rule we'd kept all week) and felt very relaxed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely wonderful. Kind, patient, but with enough authority for us all to want to do what he requested.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You must take warm clothes - you will need them on the mountains (we climbed in snow and very strong winds); you will need a hat and gloves whatever the season! Waterproofs essential. Take a torch.Be prepared for being cold in the gite at night before you retreat to your (hopefully) very warm sleeping bag. Once again, thermals needed and extra layers. Use a rucsac rather than carry the free unwieldy Exodus bag. When we received it, we checked it was ok to take a large rucsac instead and it was - much prefer to carry stuff on my back. (Plus of course a day sac).

Suggestions

Very sorry bad weather 2 days running meant we had to curtail 2 walks. We missed the long trek to the lake because the weather was dodgy when we set out so had to settle for a curtailed walk - and cruel irony, the day turned out to be beautiful. We also missed the panorama of the Atlas because we could barely stand up in the wind and had to descend. Just as likely to happen in the Lakes!Checking in process at Marrakech was hopeless on return. The computerised passenger list went down (so we were told) and we were delayed by 2 hours. BMI staff pretty unhelpful there. Better on flight.

Reviewed April 2012

LAND OF THE TIGER

Went looking for Tiger and found 18. A fantastic trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first wild Tiger on the first game drive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristna is one of the best leader I have had. Very organised, sensible and calm and extremly knowledgable on all things to do with wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This a hardcore wildlife watching with many hours spent in jeeps on hot rough tracks, many early starts and disapointing days. 2 Tigers in Pench NP, none in Kanha NP and 16 in Bandhavgarh NP. 7 days into the trip 50% of people on the trip had not seen a tiger but quickly caught up. I was able to do 17 games drives and 3 "Tiger Shows" and would advise anyone not to miss a single chance to see the wildlife.I would suggest that a supply of disposable builders Dust Masks is obtained before leaving home.

Suggestions

Went to Ramphambore NP in November 2011, saw nothing and was left needing to see a wild Tiger!! This trip has made up for the last trip and was 120% better than I expected.

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLE CILENTO & AMALFI

Stunning scenery, knowleagable guide and the only way (apart from walking which would take a lot longer) to see Southern Italy. Weather was disappointing but the guide used his experience and knowledge of the area to take appropriate decisions regarding safety and overall enjoyment of the holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The incredible experience of witnessing the stunning views around every corner, including the sounds and smells of the countryside (herbs, flowers and fruit) which cannot be experienced in a car. Also the high quality (and quantity) of the local food and wine which were incredibly good value in an area that I thought would be expensive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lievan acted as the perfect guide as well as translator and local area expert on this trip (with the advantage of him being an archeologist). His calm, professional approach and knowledge of the area gave us information/history that lazy people like myself would have had to research to find and also provided much needed breaks on those uphill climbs to point out a landmark or places of interest!! Lieven was great company during the trip and his support in time of need (searching for medical attention on a bank holiday and acting as interpretor) was very much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the uphill climbs (take your spds/cycling shoes to take the strain off your quads) and make sure you are experienced in cycling on busy roads as it can be quite nerve racking when a coach comes round one of those tight bends in front of/behind you.The first morning included a challenging 10kms climb in the rain!! The other days also consisted of several climbs (or 'small inclines' as described by our guide). A good level of fitness is required to keep together as a group, however, the back up van is always close by to assist if necessary. Make sure you take adequate layers/warm weather clothes (chilly in the evening) and waterproof jacket for cycling and sightseeing as we did experience a high level of rain on our particular trip.

Suggestions

Don't expect five star hotels. The hotels were very basic and at best 3*. No baths (except on the first night when we were upgraded due to the hotel being empty), no duvets only sheets and one blanket (we had to request heating and extra blankets to take the chill/damp feeling off the room. Also make sure your bags are easy to transport and not too heavy as there are no porters and you will be expected to climb the stairs with your bags and transfer them to the van. Having said that due to an injury (fall on the first day) I personally got help from a couple of knights in shining armour!!

Reviewed April 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

A great holiday, fitting many of the highlights of Jordan into just one week. It was a compact trip, but full of different experiences, historic sites, contrasts and people. I would highly recommend this holiday, its a great value.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight of the trip was Petra. There are no words that can explain it. The two climbs to Ed Deir ( Monastary) and Attuf Ridge ( The High Place of Sacrifice) was an amazing experience. Second was sleeping under the stars with the Beduins in the Barrh camp in Siq Umm Tawaqi in Wadi Rum, after a camel ride earlier in the day, Lawrance of Arabia style!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny our group leader was superb, extremely knowledgable, a lot of fun to be with, also was a very serious when it came about his job, we had a great group, most of us were teachers, he could keep up with all of us in a very professional manner, inspired all of us with his deep passion, wisdom stories, explanations, going for extra miles to ensure everyone had a great time, nothing was too much trouble for him, all girls in our group thought of him as a great ambassador to his country, and made all of us fall in love with Jordanian people, I think he is one of the best guides I have ever seen in my life, period !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wadi Rum – I warmly suggest to bring your own sleeping bag, even though, they will provide you with one at the camp if you don't have, but I personally felt uncomfortable using one that has been used by different people previously.

Suggestions

Go for it with an open mind, be prepared to stay in a basic 3 stars hotel, some of them are better than I expected, and some was disappointing like hotel in Petra, but you still going to have a great holiday.

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