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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14423 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Bernard & Heidi Kelly

Reviewed July 2019

4 x magnificent countries

Awesome canyons, mountains rivers and lake views whilst cycling through 4 Balkan Countries. A great variety of scenery and some challenging hills and satisfying downhills make this an excellent choice for those who enjoy great views and cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Tara Canyon is just spectacular and the Durmitor Mountains where the view keeps changing around every bend were possibly the most beautiful varied countryside we have had the pleasure to cycle in. The first views of the Bay of Kotor take your breath away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Josh is fairly new and enthusiastic to guiding. The trip is still in its infancy and he is trying to fine tune it. He is building his knowledge of the 4 countries and has a passion for the Balkans but we did occasionally encounter language barriers as none of the team spoke Macedonian but this was soon rectified by him Juli, or Dhimitraq. Juli our driver is a real fun character, full of life, who has friends everywhere and is always making new ones. He makes sure everyone is hydrated on the rides and checks on everyone at regular intervals. Dhimitraq is the quiet one but has lots of knowledge and passion for the countries visited and cycling. He balances the team dynamics. We loved the walks he took us on around the lake and up to the castle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hills are in big chunks which we were not used to..... some were 10 - 15 km long with 600-800m of elevation gain with little or no respite. They are quite challenging but saying that all of our group managed them. The reward is beautiful scenery and some awesome long descents. There were a couple of poorer condition roads which were ok on the climbs but made the downhills slower and more challenging and for me less rewarding. We had fantastic weather 40 deg most days but the weather can be variable as our guides said a few weeks earlier it had been deep snow and ice. Worth taking a bright front light and a back light for the few tunnels that you have to cycle through.

Peter Nelson

Reviewed July 2019

Great trip, poor company service

The trip itself was excellent. Run by a local company (Malabiu) the guide (Shaun) worked extremely hard and his side kick cook (Jona) were both very profesional and knowledgeable. Geology information was a bit sparse, but customs and culture info was very good. The small group gelled together well. Be warned they is a lot of travelling with many miles on Namibia style roads – basically very dusty and stoney dirt tracks. Food and drink is cheap in Namibia and the lodges are comfortable if basic.
The main down side was the company (Exodus) which did not respond effectively to queries asked. Also did not pass on important information to the group guide which meant that arrangement were compromised. For 10 of us in the party there were five different group flights – not their finest hour.
Overall, I would certainly recommend this trip to others.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing lots of different animals in their natural environment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent knowledge and very professional

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above summary

Sarah Eddington

Reviewed July 2019

Leave the West Behind

If you want to leave the west behind until the last city on this incredible journey, then welcome to the former Soviet States that make up the silk road. This trip has everything, religion, wildlife, nomad living and amazing countryside and mountains. Forget McDonalds and Burger King, at times you won’t even get social media!

Most Inspirational Moment

staying in a Yurt high in the mountains, seeing the nomad people living their lives as they have done for 1000's of years

Thoughts on Group Leader

our group leader was good, and the local guides and drivers were exceptional

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not expect western standards, the food is basic at times as are the toilet and shower facilities. There are no home comforts which is what makes this trip what it is. Do not go expecting to get Wifi and social media, it isn't going to happen at times

Justina Mclaughlin

Reviewed July 2019

A magical trip

A comprehensive cultural tour that also incorporated the different landcapes of Peru. The Inti Raymi Festival was spectacular and whilst the trip notes don’t specify, we were seated in premium seats with great views at Sacsayhuaman. Its worth the extra cost to experience Inti Raymi!

Most Inspirational Moment

Its difficult to choose just one as each day revealed some new place or aspect of Peruvian culture. Machu Pichu really is stunning and as magical as it looks in the photos. I personally found travelling through the Andes very inspirational. I hate long journeys by road (I suffer from motion sickness) and I was dreading the road journey but the scenery of the Andes really is breathtaking. So glad we traveled overland instead of flying straight to Cusco. Its inspired me to consider further overland journeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Giuliano was an excellent tour leader. He ensured all our transfers, arrivals, hotel check ins and local guided tours were well co-ordinated. He was knowledgeable on local places and history, he was also very responsive to requests from members of the group to do additional activities, vary the itinerary. As a tour leader who has previous experience of gourmet food tours he also gave us some great recommendations for eateries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pace of the trip is full on and everybody suffered a little with altitude. Some were very tired, others developed sinus problems, others had upset stomachs or felt nauseous. Only one encountered breathing problems and was immediately put on oxygen and handled expertly by our tour leader. I personally opted to take Diamox for altitude and had no problems breathing at altitude but I did still experience slow digestion and on occasion had an upset stomach. Fortunately I had a big bag of medical remedies from home and my advice would be to bring these with you. I recommend bringing hydration salts and over the counter remedies for an upset tummy/indigestion. I bought a ticket to hike Montana Machu Pichu 3 months in advance, for the morning of the 2nd day in Machu Pichu, . Since there are only 400 available a day, mountain hiking tickets sell out months in advance, if this is something you want to do email Exodus and they will advise you the date you need to purchase the ticket and details of timing. Be aware you have to be very fit and get up early (5am) and be back at the hotel by 2pm. Practical suggestions of things you should bring for the trip - A stash of tissues, antibacterial wipes (essential), small overnight bag/daypack and a good supply of cash. Opportunities to use credit cards are limited to the more expensive shops and restaurants. Also whilst ATMS are available, they are not always on the doorstep as you often stay in remoter locations.

Steve Ryder

Reviewed July 2019

Awesome Trip

I joined this trip as an alternative way of seeing the 3 Baltic States which got you away from the 3 capital cities, but it may have converted me to non too strenuous cycle holidays too. Not only was the trip a very enjoyable 9 days of cycling but we also had a foodie experience and a cultural experience thrown in too thanks to our amazing guide Anders

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip has daily inspirational moments. I found eating lunch in various rural restaurants quite inspirational because they were away from the tourist crowds and I would not have found them had I not been travelling with Anders. Eating freshly smoked fish in the garden of a fisherman on the Curonian Spit in Lithuania was a highlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anders was awesome. He guided us in a very laid back style but was extremely conscientious and knowledgeable. Those who fancied doing their own thing were free to do so and I particularly liked how he adjusted the schedule to ensure we appreciated where we were rather than just cycling for cyclings sake. The maps we were given each morning were very useful too

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. All rooms had hairdryers 2. You get a bike pannier on day one which you keep with you each evening so no need for the backpack 3. Don't worry about "dietary requirements" All can be accommodated 4. There is time to explore Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius but not to do the "full tourist thing" visiting things 5. Tartu is a wonderful university town 6. Although you cycle by a lake and by the sea you don't see much water - most of the cycle routes are in trees or slightly inland 7. You need bug spray during the day

Niamh K

Reviewed July 2019

Great week - stunning scenery!

Another great Exodus trip. Breathtaking scenery, pleasant walks & good company made it a very enjoyable week.

Most Inspirational Moment

The rugged coastline with fantastic beaches - I particularly liked Sagres.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Luis & Sofia were great - attentive, well organised, knowledgeable & catered for all needs of the group. They did a fantastic job in showcasing their beautiful country & went out of their way to ensure we all had a good holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Highly recommend this trip - book it!

george tarbuck

Reviewed July 2019

Adventure of a lifetime

The trip is excellent, coach journeys over the Andes, moonscapes and volcanoes with snow on the peaks. Machu Picchu is stunning. The condors were happy to come out and play. The hotels were good.
The homestay on the island was charming and the people genuinely hospitable without being pushy. The food served to us on the homestay was the best meal I ate in Peru, simple and tasty.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the condors.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guiliano was the best tour leader. Always on hand to help, sorted every situation flawlessly and with a sense of calm, even when assisting one of the group with oxygen when they were unwell at altitude. What stood out was the forward planning and anticipation that Guiliano showed. We could get on with enjoying the holiday whilst knowing that everything was under control.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take American Dollars.

Chris Nixon

Reviewed July 2019

Fabulous

A fabulous combination of walking the Tuscan countryside, combined with wine tastings and city visits. Alejandro was a brilliant leader. Villa Castalta is a perfectly adequate base for a walking holiday. The meals at the Villa are basic but wholesome. The restaurant used in the village were all different and very good. The best being Il Re Gallo. The 3 main walks are all interesting, each finishing in an interesting town for lunch and gelato! Despite the high temperatures during our week (highs of upper 30s) all the walks were at a a relaxed pace with plenty of stops along the route.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to Siena was excellent, with a very good guide in Sara. It was great to find out about the history of the city and the different districts. During our visit, they were preparing for the Palio, which added to our interest. The visit to the Tuscan Wine School in the afternoon was very informative. This did not take anything away from the other city visit to Florence, where we had another excellent , but different type of guide, Elizabetta, who told us about the history of Florence with great charm and wit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro was fantastic. The walks were well paced and we had sensible early starts, considering the heat. He was very informative about the flowers and trees along the route. And feed us cherries and white mulberries. His choice of restaurants in Castellina was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As others have remarked, good walking boots or shoes are advised for the hill walks. Plus you will need long trousers on the first part of the walk to Radda. (Read the trip notes!) A torch is useful for walking back from Castellina at night.

Roz Forster

Reviewed July 2019

.

Having done this trip before I knew what to expect but it was even better second time around. The walks were spectacular, the weather fantastic and the guide made every bit of the trip memorable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most definitely plucking up the courage (with Vania's support) to walk the rim of the crater on Vesuvius. The boat we rented on our day off and swimming off the back of it was a very close second!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She's amazing. She's knowledgable, fun and full of energy. She constantly keeps up with the different needs of the group and makes every walk so enjoyable. Nothing is too much trouble for Vania, whatever you ask of her she arranges to make sure you have the best, most memorable experiences on holiday. Its a pleasure to spend time walking in one of her groups.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book a boat for a day to see the Amalfi coast from the water.

Hannah M

Reviewed July 2019

A nice holiday in a beautiful region

This is an enjoyable trip to a beautiful region. There is a combination of stunning mountain scenery, church architecture, and an overview of the history of these two interesting countries. It’s a comfortable trip with decent hotels, nice transport, and not too much waking (although it would not be a good option for travellers with limited mobility). The days, particularly in Georgia, are long and there isn’t much ‘downtime’.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite places were the monasteries of Sevanovank, Norovank and Haghpat in Armenia. The Armenian scenery in particular is really impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip has two leaders, one for Georgia, one for Armenia. Both were very competent and well organised and ensured the trip ran smoothly throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are lots of long drives. These are on good roads in a comfortable bus so aren't difficult, but take something to do e.g. a book or ipod. The walk up to the Gergeti monastery is steep on rough paths and requires a small amount of scrambling. I managed it despite being unfit (but otherwise physically able), but it's not one for people with limited mobility. The walk itself doesn't really offer much in terms of things to see, it's just about the physical challenge and exercise, so don't worry about missing out if you're not sure. The penultimate day finishes mid afternoon so you get free time in Tbilisi afterwards - this is most useful if you travel when the days are longest. The last full day is very long and we didn't get back until nearly 10pm, so don't expect to do anything then. However the most common flights used don't leave until late afternoon so you do get the morning free on the day you go home.

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