Reviews

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

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14217 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed September 2012

WALKING IN TUSCANY

A superb trip. Well organised and taking into account daily weather conditions and walkers abilities. The Accomodation was comfortable, and the food was a voyage through tuscan regional cooking. The deserts and wine were worth the trip alone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the peaks on each walk and seeing the Garfagnana region streatch out below. Stunning vistas. The walks were invigorating and packed with interest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was faultless. She worked hard to ensure that organised excurtions went smoothly, for example, scouring the local villages to get train tickets for the next day visits to Lucca. Sara had a wonderful sence of humour and was a mine of information on the walks and about the tales and experiences she had encountered. She made the trip a smoothly run operation. She's a treasure as are the family at the farm who worked behind the scenes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for if you take this trip with regard for walks- the Walking in Tuscany tour and in the Garfagnana would be akin to say doing some of the peaks of the Lake District or the highlands of Scotland. Certainly do-able if your walking ability is of that level. This is not a trip for gentle rambles around tuscan villages, although we had a few of those when circumstances necessitated.

Reviewed September 2012

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The Galapagos Islands were everything Id hoped they would be – Peaceful and unspoilt teaming with wild life which was totally unafraid of us, our guide was obviously passionate about keeping the Islands this way and had a great deal of knowledge to share with us.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had just arrived on our first Island and three young sealions came to investigate us and played around our feet on the beach and in the shallow waters edge.Snorkelling with penguins, Galapagos white tipped sharks sealions and giant turtles.Waking up each day in a different location with yet another beautiful view from our ship - The Catchelote.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin was excellent he was extremely well informed and protective of the Islands and the wild life.Our guide in Quito was equally well informed and passionate about his City with lots of reccomendations of where to go & what to do whilst we were there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take walking boots/shoes with you they are the one item of footwear you will need & possibly walking sandals to. If you are sailing on the Catchelote you wont need any other foot wear - as you are required to remove your shoes as soon as you board and the dress code is very casual with very small cabins - so dont take any luggage you dont need.Do take medication for sea sickness with you - if you dont need it thats a bonus 50% of our group suffered from sea sickness to some degree & its such a shame to reduce your enjoyment of the trip and the wonderful food served on board.Do take the best camera you can with lots of memory - you will need it as there is so much to see and photograph.

Reviewed September 2012

WALKING IN TUSCANY

This was my first ever trip alone and with an "adventure" group type holiday so i was pretty apprehensive about it.However Exodus were really good and answered all my questions before going and on arrival our leader,Liz Procter, couldn’t have been better. I had a fantastic time and will most definitely do it again.

Most Inspirational Moment

The feeling of achievement when i reached the top of a hill/mountain that i never thought i would make and the quiet , peaceful beauty that opened up in front of me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Liz worked non stop in ensuring we were all catered for, all fit, all happy and enjoyed our holiday. Only one comment but it needs to be said.....MY GOD IS SHE FIT!!!!!! Thanks for everything Liz.

Advice for Potential Travellers

yep.Do go on the trip it is fantastic but be prepared for really challenging walks. I walk my dog daily over hills etc and often do around 10 miles at weekend but i found the climbing really hard going but enjoyable and the group were great ,no stragglers were left behind and encouragement was given to all whether first time or 14th time.

Reviewed September 2012

ATLAS PANORAMA

Great group and leader, lots of diversity in city and atlas mountains giving fab contrastsRosey and John Leiper (not Howarth)

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few - visiting the Berber family for tea was very humbling and was one of the highlights, finishing the long 19 mile walk in good spirits, the buzz of Place Jamaa as dusk fell to nightfall and the different smells, sights and general excitement buzz around the place and all without alcohol ! Oh yes the horse and carriage ride around sights on the sunday morning....The whole holiday was good and the group magic - Thanks everyone!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was very knowledgable, organised and good company. You felt you could ask him anything. He had this week off to a fine art and it showed! He was very attentive to needs of group and helped those who found some of it more difficult.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well - we were lucky and didn't get a funny tummy but a good few did so be prepared for that. We only needed a sheet sleeping bag ( September) and saved us lugging a bigger one over.

Reviewed September 2012

ATLAS PANORAMA

Epic is one word to describe the vast, dry and harsh terrain of the Atlas Mountains in the full haze of summer’s sun. The sense of space and remoteness is awe inspiring and the terrain is intense, unforgiving yet serene and contemplative with unexpected water channels where strips of bright green grass grow alongside. The old part of Marrakech gives a colourful trip for the senses and is a great place to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking 10 hours in the harsh terrain soaking in the solitude and summer sun, sharing seriously sugar infused tea with a local family and watching the view from our Gite were all awe inspiring moments of our trip. We also had a thunder, rain and hail storm on our first night which was awesome + apparently pretty rare.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader gave us a warm and welcoming introduction to Morocco. His ability to have once run 45km in under 3hrs at altitude and through mountains caused a sense of awe in our group. We felt totally safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in late August which was hot and unforgiving so if you do travel then a good hat, glasses and sunscreen are essential. A little pocket fan would have been a nice luxury to have as in the still heat of the night it was pretty hard to sleep. Travel wash also came in handy and definitely take the toilet paper. The beds in the Gite are pretty hard and basic so if you get a bad back you might want to take a camping matress. Do take colouring books, pens, pencils etc for the local kids, they will really appreciate it. Quite a few in our group got sick so i'd also recommend taking a good supply of immodium and electrolytes. Bottled water is available to buy everywhere, so unless you're trekking for days in the mountains the water purifying tablets aren't really essential. In Marrakech, definitely make the effort to take a cab into the old part of town to experience the markets and evening food extravaganza. We recommend stand #31 for a tasty dinner, even if you do leave a little smoky!

Reviewed September 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Mont Blanc Highlights is the perfect title for this trip. The walks and views were amazing every day and the weather just got better and better as the week progressed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 360 degree view at the summit of the last day's climb. The photographs cannot truly capture the beauty of the surroundings and the sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver, compared by Swiss Guards on a previous trip, to Prince Charles!!!! is an excellent group leader who sets a perfect pace for the climbs and is always aware of the group's abilities. His jokes are ideal for Christmas crackers as they always made us groan.....every time. Dylan the fox terrier was great company on the walks and really missed on the days he had to have a rest day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure your camera is fully charged as round every corner there are photo opportunities....and lots of "wows". Remember that the chalet is a homely environment and cosy rather than expecting hotel accommodation.

Reviewed September 2012

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

Wonderful scenery, amazing wildlife, delicious food – a fantastic experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the bears in the wild just metres away was really quite something! We saw 6 different bears at the bear hide, and they were already there (not far from the path!) when we walked from the minibus to the hide. There was a mother and 2 cubs but they didn't come round to the front of the hide so unfortunately most of us missed them.Libearty Bear Sanctuary was a fantastic place. Some of the stories about the bears' previous lives were heartbreaking, but the work they are doing there is really amazing. A great opportunity to see the animals close up enjoying life as they should. They have loads of space to roam the forests but are often up at the edge of the enclosure where you can see them.The landscape was breathtaking, so unspoilt, and we managed to see lots of other wildlife as well - a wildcat, chamois (at a distance!), 3 beavers, a hoopoe and lots of other bird life - although I'm still a little upset that Cosmin didn't find me a black woodpecker ;-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmin was absolutely fantastic. His knowledge of the area, its history and wildlife was really quite something. He is passionate about Transylvania and answered all our questions with patience and enthusiasm. He looked out for every member of the group and took time to get to know us all. I don't think we could have asked for anything more - he really made the holiday for me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went in the first week of September and it was still pretty hot, so make sure you take sunscreen and a sun hat if you're going during the summer months. Also make sure you take plenty of water with you on the walks, as some days there was no opportunity to refill.Some of the uphill stretches on the walks were pretty challenging, and they saved the longest walk for the last day, but you are rewarded for your efforts so it's well worth doing all the walks. Good walking boots are a must.Most days you make a picnic lunch so it's a good idea to take a little lunch box to stop your sandwiches getting squished! You shouldn't need much spending money and you can change euros for Lei at the bank in Bran. Make sure at least one person in the group takes a passport for this as otherwise they won't let you change anything. I changed 150 EUR but had to change some back at the hotel before I left because I hadn't spent very much. There are few opportunities for souvenir shopping - a few stalls at Bran castle and some shops in Brasov - so most of your money will go on beers from the honesty bar at the hotel, the meal out in Brasov (enormous menu and very good value - take an empty stomach with you!) and the bear hide. The hotel will accept euros, Lei or pounds.

Reviewed September 2012

BULGARIAN NATIONAL PARKS

In my experience this holiday is right in the middle of the Challenging grading. The scenary was good without being spectacular but the accommodation and food was excellent. The highlight of the trip was the quality of the Leader. Vladimir was outstanding.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fifth and most challenging day. Exhausted but very satisfied.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vladimir was professional, knowledgeable and friendly. His English was excellent and he made a good trip great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your swimming costume for the swimming pool at the Hotel in Goverdartsi.

Reviewed September 2012

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

The Mont Blanc Circuit is a challenging adventure. I had no experience camping or doing extended hiking before my trip! The exodus crew and fellow hikers made this a once in a lifetime experience – not just a holiday. I am looking forward to doing more travel like this!

Most Inspirational Moment

The long trudge each day to the ridge of a col - then a huge panorama opening up - picturesque valleys with glittering rivers, rewarding you for every step!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham (mountain guide) was fantastic, he loves the mountains and was keen to teach us all about his place. He set a great consistent pace that everyone could follow, while challenging fitter team members with optional extensions. When the weather was good Graham would vary the route to ensure we had the most spectacular views and the best experience possible - some other groups walking at the same time missed these special experiences.Nothing was too hard for Graham or Lewis (camp manager) - they went the extra mile in every aspect to ensure it was a great trip. Even the little things like buying special cheese from a local farmer to varying the trip schedule & timing to try and beat the weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the packing list carefully, take a huge bag and fit everything in! Make sure you have helicopter rescue on your travel insurance.Walking poles are probably a good idea - they arent heavy to carry if you dont use them.

Reviewed September 2012

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Our first Exodus trip, but on the strength of this trip, not our last! Every aspect of the holiday exceeded our expectations. A good deal of attention had been paid to the details, and it showed – everything went like clockwork. We felt very well looked-after throughout.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights... seeing a Golden Eagle soaring above the mountains, walking through varied and beautiful scenery, learning a little about the history and culture of this fascinating region.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeremy was superb in every way. He had designed the walks to be suitable for a wide range of abilities, and to provide a wide variety of scenery and terrain. Every day he briefed us about what the practicalities would be - whether we'd be able to re-fill water bottles en route etc. The pace of the walks seemed to be fine for everyone in the group. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, and was able to enrich the walks with anecdotes and useful information about the villages and countryside we passed through. He was very good at what he was doing, and a thoroughly nice bloke too. I can't praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just Do It. We were thoroughly glad we'd chosen this trip for our first Exodus holiday. It's a lovely region ideal for outdoor pursuits, and I'd imagine there's something for most people to enjoy, whether you're into history, wildlife or just enjoying the walking.The pace and length of the walks was generally relaxed, but the terrain added a degree of challenge. There were a lot of fairly steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain, plenty of spiky vegetation, and some muddy patches where the path followed streams. Nothing too extreme, but definitely not suitable for sandals... boots required, really. We found walking poles very helpful. Some days we needed to take water for the whole day, and when we went (early Sep) it was pretty hot, so we needed to drink plenty - so take a couple of big bottles or (probably preferably) a Camelback-type system. I wouldn't have been without a good sunhat, too, as shade could be hard to come by at some points. The village where we were based (Berchules) was pleasant and the hotel very friendly and comfortable, but the village is small and quiet. If you're planning to take a rest day, you'll need a book or something to occupy yourself as you probably won't be hitting the shops...A small tip for book fans.. read Chris Stewart's 'Driving Over Lemons' before you go.

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