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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14217 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Helen Cassaday
Reviewed October 2023
From desert camels to mountain yak
This was the longest duration trip I’ve ever taken, covering the most ground by road and with some (by my standards) fairly extreme variations of temperature, altitude and landscape. But it was mostly very unusual, often spectacular and totally worth the bumpy ride – take layers, medications and a better camera than I did. The people were also a particular highlight. Jabbar in Turkmenistan was an impossible act to follow, but the local leaders were all very good. The group was a great mix and we bonded over one or two minor glitches and some medicinal vodka. We met the friendliest local people in markets, at the border crossings, on the road. They were very often willing to share my three words of Russian, and to practice their English. It was also very nice to be asked to join them for their photos – probably some of these invitations were from other tourists, but was still great to feel like the exotic extra for a change.
Most Inspirational Moment
The night sky, particularly at Son Kul lake.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We were very fortunate to have Alina as our tour leader for the full duration. She’s an inspiration and second to none in terms of her people and organisational skills.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a challenging trip – certainly well out of my comfort zone - and most of the group fell ill at some point. So best to be prepared for some visceral reactions and take each day as it comes. Possibly I should have read ahead about the destinations, but travelling without expectations can be a lot more fun, just read the trip notes closely for the practicalities – money, visas etc.
Kristen Whitla
Reviewed October 2023
Following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims
From start to finish, the trip was organised very well by our friendly expert guide Javier Ramirez. Each day, we’d have a short briefing where he explained what the terrain would be like, what stops we were making and notable highlights you’d encounter on the walk. He also kept us right when it came to collecting our pilgrim stamps en route – as you need a certain amount to receive your pilgrim certificate at the end in Santiago. Every stage in the route was enchanting, we’d make pitstops at rustic farmhouses for traditional Galician homemade fare and fluffy Santiago cake – the perfect treat after a couple of hours walking. We also got the opportunity to taste the famous Galician tapas including fresh octopus and scallops with caramelised onions – they were especially delicious. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, walking through sleepy villages, hushed oak forests and past babbling brooks. Even though this region is famous for its rain – it didn’t rain on us once, so I’d recommend booking to go in May! It was wonderful to see this part of Spain and walk sections of one of the oldest pilgrimages in the world. Although I’m not religious, it was a really moving experience, especially seeing the Botafumeiro swinging at the Pilgrim Mass in Santiago’s famous cathedral. I’d love to go back and do a different route with Exodus in the future. Thank you, Javier, for being such a wonderful guide, and for showing us Modus Vivendi, the oldest bar in Galicia!
Most Inspirational Moment
The pilgrim mass in the Cathedral de Compostela on the evening we arrived was particularly spectacular. We saw the Botafumeiro swinging, which is apparently a very rare and special occurrence. Everyone was completely silent and absorbed in the moment, couples were hugging each other and pilgrims were smiling at one another, it was a very moving moment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Javier couldn't have done more for the group. He translated menus, gave us day-by-bay breakdowns of what the terrain would be like, recommended places to visit in Santiago, and even took us to one of the oldest bars in Galicia, Modus Vivendi, for a drink after the trek was over! His enthusiasm and upbeat demeanor really helped those who were struggling during the trip, so everyone made it to the finishing line.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take it slow, it's not a race and don't forget to stop in the beautiful churches along the way. Look out for farm life too, like little goats and cows, chat to the locals as these are the moments of the trip you'll remember.
Louisa Green
Reviewed October 2023
Absolutely Fantastic
I have been on several Exodus trips but this adventure took it to a new level. The benefit of camping is that like-minded people tend to be attracted to this kind of trip, and on my trip, the group made it. I really feel like I have made 11 new friends and just two weeks after returning, we have plans for a Christmas meet-up. There wasn’t one person who complained about the early mornings, or the bush toilet, or the 39 degree heat. Our guide Brian was fantastic and the mokoro trips in the Okavango was a definite highlight of mine, as well as camp singing and dancing around the fire. In terms of animals seen, we were extremely lucky to see a leopard with her cub, a leopard with a kill, a pack of wild dogs stalking a wildebeest herd, countless elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, lions, impala, kudu, vultures, baboons and 138 species of bird. We were also extremely lucky to have two avid birders in our group who were only too happy to explain each bird to us! Camp-life was brilliant and our support crew was excellent. Chef James managed to cook some beautiful campsite meals – much better than I’d eat at home! Curries, stir-fries, whole chickens, oxtail all loaded with roasted or braised veg. A must for anyone with a sense of adventure willing to rough-it for two weeks in return for going for a wee in the middle of the night under the Milky Way, hearing the lions roar from inside your tent and making new pals.
Most Inspirational Moment
My absolute favourite moment in Botswana was when we finally saw our first leopard. We had been driving most of the day in 39 degrees, still a few hours away from our next wild camp where there would be no shower, a bush toilet and the calls of lions and hippos in the distance to fall asleep to. Suddenly a leopard ran across our track. We followed her, keeping our distance so as not to frighten her, for around 300m when she found a large bush and slumped in a heap, finally in the shade and panting as though she had run a marathon. We were all so fixated on watching her in that moment, and after about 5 seconds she was joined by her two-month old cub, who she had left safely in the middle of the bush whilst she went hunting. The two of them nuzzled together before she started washing him, only too happy to pose for our cameras. Time stood still whilst we silently watched her and in that moment there was nowhere else on the planet I'd rather be. I've seen this on the telly hundreds of times - mother's returning to cubs after hunting. But it's something else entirely to see it 10m away in real life.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Big Friendly Brian, as he called himself, was a brilliant guide. Extremely patient when we wanted to stop and see the 100th elephant that day and answered all of our questions. His driving was extraordinary - occasionally we went off-piste to follow a particular animal across rugged terrain, and some days we spent a lot of it driving on thick sand, but we never once felt unsafe or not in capable hands!
Advice for Potential Travellers
A sense of adventure and willingness to be uncomfortable is essential. Some days in the truck are long and on bumpy tracks which can take a toll on your bum if sitting at the back..! Towards the end of the trip there are four days in a row in wild camps with one shower every 48 hours and 25 litres of heated water between three people. Scratch your skin and black gunk will come off under your nails so if you enjoy home comforts with constant internet access to the rest of the world then this is most definitely not the trip for you.
Emma Biggs
Reviewed October 2023
TIA: This is Africa
We were only a small group, the tour leader, the drivers and just three guests. This worked well for us as we were then able to take a cruiser rather than the large truck but it was very hard work for the trip leader as he was leading us and going out of the game drives and then once we got to camp he was then cooking too. We got to see the highlights of the area with the Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, these are very broadly similar but they each have their own distinct feel to them. We mainly went for the animals and basically saw everything that we hoped to see.
Most Inspirational Moment
Lots of special moments on the trip but the one thing that made it for me was seeing loads of Wildebeest and Zebra going down the steel river banks and crossing the Mara river in huge numbers, this was a very 'Planet Earth' moment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Asaph was a good leader, always wanting to keep us guests happy and wanting us to experience different cultural experiences.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It's fairly hard work so just be prepared and don't go if you are a princess, there are other trips for you. Camping in inevitably a bit harder than lodges although it's still fairly comfortable. Being bumped around in the cruiser is a little uncomfortable too but just go with the flow and see this as part of the adventure. Showers are not guaranteed to be hot and toilets are not always guaranteed to flush (ours all did) so be prepared to wing it a bit. Remember, TIA, This is Africa!
Robert S
Reviewed October 2023
Nile Cruise & Aswan - Premium Adventure
Top class attention, guide knowledge excellent, admin top standard.
Most Inspirational Moment
Pretty much everything!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Top class and a warm individual. He took care of a number in the party who fell.
Elaine W
Reviewed October 2023
Mexico: Mayans, Aztecs & Conquistadores
Very well organised, superb guide and driver and fantastic guides for each site as well. I feel confident about arrangements made by exodus, the hotels they book on our behalf are always in great locations and utilise the best local offer.
Most Inspirational Moment
"Friday kahlo museum, boat trip and anthropological museum were so memorable
Oaxaca is a magical place and we really loved the cooking lesson with Gonzalo and his team who were great!
Merida was a lovely surprise
Campeche was a beautiful place
Palenque and Chichen Itza were the most memorable of the mayan sites."
Thoughts on Group Leader
She was wonderful for reasons noted earlier. Extraordinary knowledge, always warm, friendly, helpful, flexible, - we could not have had better.
Ruth S
Reviewed October 2023
Mexico: Mayans, Aztecs & Conquistadores
Our guide, Adriana, was fantastic. She knew the areas really well, where to recommend in any location and was so knowledgeable about the history. She also made the tour so much fun. Our driver , Isaac was brilliant too.
Most Inspirational Moment
"Visiting Palenque and Monte Alban.
The cooking class was excellent, the chef who did it was fantastic and made it so fun as well as giving us recipes to take away.
Going around the markets"
Thoughts on Group Leader
We couldn't have asked for a better leader. She dealt with any issues (the blockades around agua azul) really well and made sure we still enjoyed the trip.
Trudie Russo
Reviewed October 2023
Wonderful trip with plenty of variety
This trip was fantastic. Every day we had something different to look forward to knowing Andrius would give us the best experience possible. There was so much to learn about the history of the three countries, it really makes a difference actually being there to hear first hand from locals how life has changed for them over the years. Beautiful scenery, swimming in the Baltic, cycling along a beach, visiting all three capitals, eating the local food, all highlights of the trip. The cycling was enjoyable as not to demanding and the bikes did the job although basic. The hotels were fine, especially as we hardly spent any time in the rooms due to the constant activities organised. Our group gelled well and we had much fun together, including with Andrius who arranged all of the dinners and lunches for us. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Our coach driver was excellent and a good support to Andrius fixing bikes etc. He also worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a good time. If you are considering this trip, do it!
Most Inspirational Moment
It was all inspirational as there was so much to see and plenty to learn about the history of the Baltic countries. I have recommend this trip to several friends.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrius was very passionate about his job, giving 100%+ every day. He has a great sense of humour and made sure everyone got what they wanted out of the trip. He adapted certain rides to suit the group. We enjoyed an excellent cycle tour around Vilnius on the last day. He has great knowledge about the three countries and didn't tire of the many questions we asked him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Accept that the bikes are basic, they do the job as the route is mainly flat. Any issues are sorted out by the leader or coach driver. You'll appreciate your own bike all the more on your return home!
Bernadette Fitzsimmons
Reviewed October 2023
An amazing trip!
Everything was good from booking the trip to finishing the cycling. The trip itself was so interesting – hearing all the stories about living in the former Soviet republics, seeing the stunningly beautiful Baltic beaches, easy cycling, tours of all the major cities, great restaurants, mostly cycling paths. I loved the trip and would highly recommend it.
Most Inspirational Moment
1. Seeing how beautiful the Baltic beaches were 2. I kept reminding myself that we were in former Russian republics that gained independence in my lifetime.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lina was AMAZING - very knowledgeable, shared personal anecdotes, didn't get flustered if something didn't go quite according to plan, was a great cyclist, friendly and lots of fun to be around.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be comfortable on your bike!
Daphne George
Reviewed October 2023
A country worth visiting
This was a very good introduction to Albania. The guide (Ed) and driver (Di) were excellent. There was a fair balance between visits to historic sites, city walks, interaction with locals and beachside scenery. All the hotels exceeded expectations, as did the food. My reservation would be that it was too tiring moving hotels every night (apart from 2 nights in penultimate one). Perhaps the programme could be extended by a couple of days. Also, the time listening to detailed explanations of the geo-politics of Albania from the guide felt excessive at times. More free time to explore at leisure would have been appreciated. The beach swimming time was very brief, and not at a very good site (biting fish!). Surely there could have been a better beach to go too, and for longer. The bus was good, but the PA system was distorted sometimes making it difficult to hear the leader.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through the castle and bazaar at Kurce. Watching local teenagers dancing to live music in the square at Berat.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very well organised and dedicated to his job. An expert in his country's complicated history and politics. Sometimes Ed talked too much - the detail was too much for us to take in. He tended to go off at a tangent when describing something! But he was a very friendly and helpful leader with incredible local knowledge and contacts.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read up about Albania beforehand - it is such an unusual country it will help to make sense of what you see. Not too good for vegetarians and definitely not vegans.
