Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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14255 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
agnes mocsy
Reviewed May 2025
Magic In Action — A Soul-Stirring Journey Through Morocco
I’ve traveled far and wide, Morocco being my 58th country. But this trip wasn’t just travel – it was transformation, standing apart as one of the most enriching, moving, and unforgettable adventures of my life.
From the sweeping dunes of the Sahara to the winding alleys of the ancient Medina and the energy of Marrakesh, the poetic beauty of the Atlas Mountains, and the Kasbahs, villages, markets, homes — each day was filled with wonder, beauty, and genuine connection—with the land, its people, and with myself.
As someone who prefers traveling spontaneously and on my own, rather than in coordinated groups, two friends and I decided to try it this time, and joined strangers on this organized trip.
A huge part of what elevated this journey well beyond expectations was our extraordinary guide, Mohamed. His deep knowledge, thoughtful storytelling, and sincere care brought the history, culture, nature, and spirit of Morocco to life in unforgettable ways. He didn’t just show us Morocco—he shared it with us. With his passion, and genuine kindness, he didn’t just lead us—he welcomed us into his culture with warmth and generosity. From shared laughters to heartfelt stories, he made Morocco come alive in ways no brochure or solo travel ever could. The experience was poetry for all senses.
Equally important was our driver, Abdoul, whose calm, confident presence made every journey feel completely safe, no matter how winding the road or how chaos-like the road. His skill behind the wheel allowed us to trust, relax, and truly take in the shifting landscapes.
The itinerary struck a perfect balance between adventure and rest, busy and quiet, and the thoughtfully selected accommodations—including the magical desert camp and the rustic charm gite —created an atmosphere of authenticity and comfort. And the food! Every meal was a sensory delight, and I found myself not just tasting Moroccan food and tea but truly savoring it as a cultural expression. Oh, and I will never forget surrendering to the traditional —non-touristy — hammam with the local ladies in Thigza at 6400ft altitude. I felt cleansed not just on my skin, but deep scrubbed from years of inner hurts.
And the most beautiful part of this trip? The unexpected connections—with locals and with moments of quiet awe. This was more than a vacation. It was a passage into wonder. I have returned transformed and with a yearning to return.
I’m deeply grateful to Mohamed and Abdoul, and to all the people along the way, who welcomed us, shared their homes, shared their knowledge, and the love of their country, for taking us far beyond the surface.
If you’re looking not just to see Morocco, but to feel it, live it, and carry it home in your soul, I can’t recommend this journey with Exodus highly enough.
Most Inspirational Moment
Experiencing the Sahara brought tears into my eyes - starting with the arrival and the incredible experience of the silence and scale of the dunes. But also connecting with the locals during this journey was deeply meaningful.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Extraordinary!!! He was hugely responsible for how we experienced the country and learned about the culture, nature, cuisine, and spirit of it. Please see above.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book your flight and trip!
Susan Howard
Reviewed May 2025
Mostly Fabulous
I have given this tour a 4* rating because the basic structure of the tour was so good.
Matera, Alberobello and Ostuni were all outstanding. The towns have been restored and are fascinating and atmospheric as well as beautiful (especially at night). The hotel accommodation, which was in the centre of town in all three locations, was quirky, interesting, and well-appointed. We were disappointed with the Eos hotel in Lecce, however. It was a let-down and a rather sad end after what until then had been a fabulous trip with amazing accommodation elsewhere. It’s situated on a ring road, a 20 minute walk from the gate into the old town with little in the way of bars, restaurants or atmosphere nearby. It was a budget hotel with pared-down facilities and a disappointing and very basic breakfast. For example, by 8.00 am on the first morning there was limited choice because once foods had been consumed they were not always replaced. The staff were less helpful than in the other hotels. Lecce itself was very impressive with some amazing architecture. However, we were there over a bank holiday and it was consequently very busy. It would be nice to go back when it was quieter. The local guide in Lecce was not as good as the one in Matera, not least because her English was limited.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many it's difficult to choose! But an unexpected highlight was a visit to the Museo Archeologico Faggiano in Lecce. Not on the itinerary, but a fascinating introduction to the history of Lecce - a chance discovery of Roman ruins under a house when undertaking sewerage works.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Unfortunately our original group leader became suddenly unavailable just as the trip was about to start. This was managed reasonably well by the tour company on the ground. However, we were not given an adequate explanation of what happened, though it was inferred that the tour leader had suddenly decided against doing the tour. The stand-in leader arrived on the afternoon of the second day. Unfortunately he had not taken an Exodus tour before and his knowledge of the itinerary was limited and he sometimes had to resort to reading from Wikipedia to relay information about places and events. His English was poor and this lead to a number of misunderstandings between him and the group, for example regarding costs and timings. The combination of these factors meant that we had a less than optimal experience and certainly were not as well-informed about the history and locality as we have been on other Exodus trips. On the plus side he worked very hard on our behalf and was approachable and accommodating.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Avoid Italian Bank Holidays! And take note of what so many reviewers have said about the need for sturdy footwear, particularly in Matera where the steps can be slippery as well as steep and numerous. The recent change in status from 'Easy' to 'Easy to Moderate' accurately now reflects the level of fitness required to comfortably manage and get the most out of the trip.
Kim Martin
Reviewed May 2025
Cycling in Japan
Excellent trip
Bike routes , transfers on trains , guides, excellent
Most Inspirational Moment
The cherry blossoms and bamboo forest
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
He went out of his way to teach us about Japan
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring protective eye wear
It can be cold in April . Layers
Kristen Whitla
Reviewed May 2025
A real glimpse into everyday India
I honestly can’t recommend this trip enough. From start to finish, it was full of unforgettable moments and thoughtful touches. We travelled through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and everything was so well organised – it was the perfect introduction to India. One of my favourite memories was being greeted with flower wreaths at a Jaipur flower market—it felt so personal and welcoming. The visit to the Taj Mahal was obviously a highlight, but there were so many other surprises too. Staying at Suroth Mahal, a 600 year old heritage hotel, was something special. After a short cooking demonstration, they even put on a traditional Indian wrestling match in the courtyard, which none of us were expecting! We also had an optional stop at Chand Baori stepwell—recognised it from the Batman film, The Dark Knight! It also wasn’t just bus journeys – we were on camel carts, cycle rickshaws, and it was in these moments you really got to see the chaotic but beautiful pace of life in India. The food was another major highlight for me. I went in expecting curry and naan, but it was so much more varied and regional than I thought. The evening cooking demonstration in Jaipur was a real treat too—we learned how to make things like masala chai, lentil pakoras and korwan aloo, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the flavours and how fresh everything is. We even got to try some street food chai and sweet jalebi!
Most Inspirational Moment
One of the most inspiring moments of the trip was seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise. I’d braced myself for big crowds, but it was surprisingly calm and quiet. The early light gave the marble this soft, warm glow, and there was plenty of space to just take it all in. The temperatures were already warming up but still pleasant, and the whole place felt really peaceful — not what I expected at all. I’d seen so many photos before going, but nothing really prepares you for being there in person. It was one of those rare travel moments that felt completely unhurried.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Mayank, was exceptional — knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely passionate about sharing India’s history and culture. The itinerary was perfectly paced: the chaos of Old Delhi, the serenity of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the grandeur of the Amber Fort in Jaipur. Each place had a story, and Mayank brought it all to life. Even on the bus journeys, he chatted about history, religion, politics and the local way of life to give us further insight into the country's fascinating culture.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're thinking about doing this trip—do it! A couple of tips from someone who's just come back: pack light and bring comfy shoes because you’re on the go quite a bit, and some streets and markets are pretty uneven. Oh, and carry a bit of hand sanitiser and maybe a few snacks for the longer bus rides. Dark coloured temple socks were also a big help when walking around the temples barefoot in the heat. My favourite mosquito repellent is "Incognito", it really works in keeping the bites at bay. Other than that - come with an open mind and try everything!
Jim Patti
Reviewed May 2025
The guide makes all the difference!
Such a worthwhile trip, including because of our fantastic guide Valerie Parkinson. Valerie’s knowledge and passion for the region and its people is palpable and she is also an engaging person with interesting stories about her own exploits over the years. Yes the hiking is not easy, the creature comforts are lacking and the food is (though better than expected) simple and repetitive; however, it is all part of the amazing experience of trekking to EBC. If you think you have the stamina, fitness and willingness to poop in a hole, then do this trek! And do it with Valerie if you can as having a native English-speaking guide who understands your own cultural context is so much better than a local guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sleeping at EBC and walking on the foot of the Khumbu ice fall.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabulous!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take diamox with you just in case! Also be sure to use lots of sunscreen.
Kenneth Crutchfield
Reviewed April 2025
Phenomenal personal experience in the hills of Andalucia
Everything about the week was exceptional and memorable. The hikes were different every day and highlighted the special and significant features of the area. Our group leader, Miquel/Mike, was an endless source of information on the human and natural history, and the flora and fauna, making a point to include what the group was interested in. Our group bonded well right from the first day, as we tackled a rainy hike and then the ensuing mud the next day. Mike was constantly aware of and concerned for everyone’s safety and adapted the speed of the walk to accommodate all of us. His pleasant demeanor, sense of humor, punctuality, and attention to detail made the week a pleasure for all. We could not have asked for a better leader!
Most Inspirational Moment
The hike up the mountains into the National Park was a highlight not only for the magnificent views, but also the challenge of working together to manoeuvre through the muddy and slippery landscape.
Thoughts on Group Leader
For all the reasons mentioned above, our group as a whole appreciated everything that Mike brought to the week as an exceptional leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring your appetite! The meals served at Cortijo Rosario were delicious, varied, and more than plentiful! The staff made every effort to cater to individual dietary needs. The Cortijo is very comfortable, and the rustic vibe fits the country setting perfectly. It is advised to note the packing list included in the trip notes; sturdy hiking boots and good rain gear are a must.
Mandy Alepin
Reviewed April 2025
Fantastic scenic walks!
Our trip leaders Francisco and Rafael were amazing, they genuinely wanted the best experience for us. For me, however, some of the food was not so great… Maybe it was just the time of year that there wasn’t much produce available. Ham and cheese sandwiches every day… And I don’t eat processed ham. Some of the restaurants weren’t so great either. So my only real complaint is the quality of the food… The first night in Monchique dinner was almost inedible with the only a choice of three items and one being tofu which was quickly ruled out, lol. I found it very disappointing as I’ve heard from others that Portugal has such great food… One night I ordered the local prawns and they were these tiny teeny little shrimp that I couldn’t even peel and very mushy… I wish there would’ve been an option that I did not have to go to the wine tasting because it was very late before we got to dinner… I would’ve liked to have just gone off on my own and had dinner a little earlier instead of it 9 o’clock at night and getting in so late and having to get up early the next morning. It didn’t help that that dinner that night was not very good, steak very tough and being overcooked was not even edible….and by then the rest of the food was cold… I try not to think of the food because everything else was incredible except that food is a really big thing for me.
Most Inspirational Moment
The wildflowers were amazing! Loved the olive oil factory and ceramics shop!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Overall fantastic… they went out of their way to arrange a later transfer to Faro for some of us which really made a difference ! But could use a little help with the food… Having the same processed cheese sandwich every day was rough, lol… could’ve used more fresh food or even some better cheese, meats and more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are really pleased to hear you enjoyed the stunning walks and that Francisco and Rafael made such a positive impression.
We are sorry to hear, however, that the food did not live up to your expectations. While we typically receive very positive feedback on the meals included on this trip, as you will see in several other reviews, we absolutely appreciate that food preferences are personal, and we understand how much of an impact this can have on your overall experience.
The guides aim to introduce the group to authentic local cuisine by eating at family-run and regional restaurants, which is usually a highlight for many, but we know this does not always hit the mark for everyone. Your specific comments about the quality, variety, and timing of meals have been shared with our local team so they can review the restaurant selections and look at improving variety, especially for those with dietary preferences.
Thanks again for your honest review. We are glad to know that, despite the food issues, the rest of the trip left a positive impression, and we hope we will have the chance to welcome you on another adventure in the future.
– The Exodus Travels Team
Dean Harman
Reviewed April 2025
A fabulous trip made better by an outstanding leader!
I joined this itinerary in April 2025 and was utterly blown away by the locations visited. Matera was stunning, Lecce’s winding streets were beautiful with gems hidden round every corner, We stayed in a traditional Trulli house which was a personal highlight for me!
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the winding steps and visiting the cave houses in Matera, looking out over the edge of the hillside to see lush green and a beautiful river, flowing with the back drop of a rugged Matera behind it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ioana was amazing. Caring, showed compassion for group members when they were finding anything confusing or stressful. She was obviously very passionate about the places visited and shared that with us. She made recommendations for meals really easy, and helped other clients book tables if needed. Above and beyond!
Advice for Potential Travellers
A good pair of boots/shoes to climb the steep and sometimes slippery Matera Staircases!
Bring a light fleece, its sometimes very windy even in the sun!
Chenbei Chang
Reviewed April 2025
wonderful trip
There are many beautiful temples and shrines along the way, each with its own character and all are surrounded by gardens or woods. The cherry blossom (still plenty even though not at its peak season) and other flowers decorate the buildings and make the already scenic landscape stand out more. People are polite, things are organized, trains are always on schedule, hotels are clean and nice, and food is delicious. Really enjoyed the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Duke is a wonderful leader who is knowledgeable, considerate, and helpful for each of us. He printed out the background pages for the temples and shrines, asked us what experiences we wanted to have, what food we would like to eat, and what gifts we intended to buy. He took into account of our individual needs and planned stops and trips to make sure that we got what we wanted. He was consistently patient with us, even as we wandered around slowly in the crowd from time to time. He introduced several extra activities, which were all great and memorable. He also helped plan our post-group travels. I am really happy with everything he did.
Joshua Brown
Reviewed April 2025
Excellent and informative
Thanks again for another excellent trip. Yet again the guides are the local knowledge and the key to all the knowledge. They went out of their way to show us places that you would never find on your own , explained local customs and took us to local restaurants.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing nesting birds on the edge of a cliff...this was amazing