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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14462 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Steven Phillips

Reviewed November 2024

Left me a little flat......

I’ve done a few cycling trips over the years with Exodus and loved them all, but this one left me just a little flat. It started well enough, Matera is beautiful and as we cycled out of Matera the scenery was lovely and the sun was shining. But the days that followed were just a little frustrating really. We stayed in a farmhouse for two nights (not the one advertised) and both were lovely, but we arrived each day at around 3:30 and then you have nothing to do for the rest of the day because you’re literally in the middle of nowhere. I wish we had stayed in Ostuni for one of these nights. This also meant we were limited to eating from a basic set menu each night we were in the farmhouses, which was a bit disappointing as the food in this part of Italy can be amazing.

On the plus side we did cycle every day but lots of it felt like it was on busy roads, I wish we could have spent more time on the coast. I also felt we often cycled through a lovely village or town but then stopped for lunch in some very random and not great places. Would have been nice to have a bit more information on some of the towns we stopped in, on previous trips there’s been a little walking tour but not on this one. This could have been so much better, but it just wasn’t. For the first time if someone asked me if they should go on this trip I would say no…..

Most Inspirational Moment

The night in Matera, at night it's a magical place. I only wish there were more moments than this one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

My previous experience of leaders has been excellent, but on this trip I felt the team could have done more to allow us to experience this part of Italy. It wasn't terrible, but just felt a bit adequate.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do we warned it can get pretty windy in this part of Italy, can make the cycling a bit of a slog some days.

Reply from Exodus

We’re sorry to hear that Steven came away from this trip feeling underwhelmed, especially after having enjoyed several previous cycling adventures with us. While we’re glad he found Matera beautiful and appreciated the opportunity to cycle each day, we regret that other elements didn’t meet the expectations set by his past experiences.

Steven’s feedback about the farmhouse stay is noted. For many of our travellers, this is an accommodation highlight, with peaceful countryside surroundings, authentic hospitality, and a chance to unwind. However, we recognise that its remote location and set menu might not suit every preference, particularly for those who enjoy more independent exploring or variety in dining. We’ll continue to monitor feedback closely to ensure we strike the right balance between rural charm and variety of experience.

We also take seriously Steven’s comments on the route and choice of lunch stops. While some sections of the itinerary necessarily include time on busier roads, we’ll review this with our local team to see where adjustments might be possible. Similarly, his suggestion about offering more information or short walking tours in key towns is a helpful one.

We’re grateful for Steven’s honest reflections, and we hope to welcome him back on another that lives up to his past experiences with Exodus.

– The Exodus Travels Team

Marie-Claude Alderson

Reviewed November 2024

A very well organised trip with many highlights

A trip full of colour and beautiful buildings. The blue and turquoise colours and the intricate design of the religious buildings are breathtaking.
Our guide Dilshod made the trip with incredible knowledge and passion for his country. The group also contributed to a great trip, all lovely people and we all got on well.
Most of our hotels were well situated. There are so many parks and trees in each town which made walking very pleasant. We felt completely safe at all time. The people are very friendly and welcome tourists.
The only disappointment was our stay in a yurt. The camp lacked atmosphere, no entertainment was provided except half of hour of singing and music organised by our guide who borrowed a nice man from another camp. Exodus should choose another camp or spend another day in the beautiful Samarkand.

Most Inspirational Moment

Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand are the hi lights but there are so many other moments like our lunch with music and dancing near the fortress. The Registan in Samarkand is very impressive by the sheer size. I loved Bukhara and its atmosphere at night. The fortified town of Khiva is beautiful and the colour of the wall change at night. The train journey was also nice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilshod was a walking guide book with outstanding knowledge of the history and culture of his country. He was very organised and as a result we did not waste any time. He told us many personal stories which added to our understanding of the difficult history of this country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You have some long days on the bus but we could all have a seat by the window. Bring a scarf to cover your head in the mosques. Clothes covering shoulders and knees are required for religious buildings

Zalise Edwards

Reviewed November 2024

Outstanding Guides and Historians

Such a wonderful pilgrimage of history and knowledge learned about the Moroccan people. From Casablanca, to the Sahara Desert, to the High Atlas Mountains and onto Marrakech. …

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending time and having tea with the Nomads, their children, the camel ride, learning about the Medinas and getting to know the Berber people and their families. The Et-Taous African drum band and dancers was such a delight and it was joyful and fun. We enjoyed the overall history of the country, its past, present and current richness. The historical guides were extremely informative and knowledgeable. Each unique with rich stories to tell.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Idblaaid Lahcen, was the best. He went out of his way to take care of everyone and to make all feel special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To the travelers, this is a fantastic tour however, if you have a disability this may not be the tour for you. My husband, who is as fit as a fiddle, enjoyed all of the walking tours, all of the hikes as well as every aspect of this trip. The high Atlas Mountains hike was one of the highlights for him. He said, “He’d love to do it again.” This is an unforgettable experience, one you’d never forget. In spite of my health challenges, I am so very grateful that I was able to make this incredible trip. I learned so much about my ancestors which was so inspiring to me. I met so many beautiful people who felt like family. I will never forget them. They will remain vibrant in my heart forever. This is a beautiful tour. It’s full of spectacular sunsets and stunning sunrises. The road trip allows you to see so much of the countryside and so many aspects of the Moroccan North African culture. The Et-Taous African drum, dancers were very colorful, stimulating and exciting to see. To Exodus, I explained to Exodus that I had a disability and what my limitations were. They assured me that this tour would not be strenuous. However, this is a vigorous tour. But, Lahcen and all of the guides, upon being made aware of my challenges, quickly found rest areas and other options for me. Exodus might think about changing the description of this tour. They also need to listen more effectively to the customer to better accommodate their expectations. The Exodus team should take this tour so that they are aware and know firsthand the tour’s difficulties and the customer experience. Then perhaps change the rating from “moderate” to “vigorous or moderately strenuous”. Also, I suggest for this tour the maximum group be limited to 12 participants, instead of 16. It would be nice too if customers had a dedicated contact person at Exodus to work with them from the onset of the booking and afterwards, instead of the generic customer service contact number and email once the tour has been booked. This is an amazing tour and I highly recommend it!!!

janel walton

Reviewed November 2024

Just what I needed...

Cycling in the heat, humidity, tropical rain with abundant wildlife with great company, a few cheeky climbs, and relax after in a pool, a gin and good grub. What’s not to like?!!
I’ve only rated it 4 as I am a fussy client and although pre-warned about Costa Rica highways, I was a bit disappointed, and also only one welcome drink in hotels. I expected too much for the cost of the tour in comparison to other tours but that is probably due to cost of petrol over such a distance and return, and 3 bike hires.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last two days, (Panama), which were probably the most challenging in terms of hills... cycling on backroads through Panama's beautiful countryside, small welcoming villages, children keen to interact and lush tropical scenery and climate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I'd give him a pretty good 10 out of 10. Exceptional leader and I've had 16 now with Exodus and 2 with other companies. Memo has considerable assets which shone through, not least his sense of fun and humour which was in fact, more British than some in our group ;-).. He had a warm, boyish charm and a vulnerability which was endearing, and he could manage the egos of 6 pre- to post menopausal women- and one Russian bloke - with just the right touch of humour and sociability. He is very professional, jollying everyone along whilst maintaining he was working and it that it was our holiday. He chatted daily with everyone to check their well-being and performed a few tasks that went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out when needed. He was well-organised and assertive when needed - such as when I wanted to keep cycling in a tropical thunderstorm... safety first. I always felt in safe hands with him and in my experience would rank him amongst the top of leaders.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a fab trip, but the downside for me was the highway cycling in Costa Rica. I expected it to be more like the Sri Lanka cycling tour not like the Cuba tour; but I would still do it again at the cost for the experience. No elephants (lol!), but plenty of tropical wildlife to view. The optional extra tours were amazing and ideal way to experience a tropical desert island, snorkelling, lobster lunch. The hot springs and rainforest guided walk were also awesome. Panama was a nice surprise...and the company was fab which made the tour. Now I want to cycle down through South America, so thanks to Exodus for giving me a taster... :-)

Denise Schlachter

Reviewed October 2024

Beautiful Scenery Along South Africa's Garden Route

This was a wonderful tour showcasing the beautiful scenery along the coast from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. Accommodation was great throughout our tour other than a very musty cabin at Storms River, however, the scenery there was stunning. Petro was a wonderful guide …was well organized and had excellent people and communication skills. The knowledge she shared of her country along the way including the names of numerous animals and birds was really appreciated. Highlights for me included: Schotia Game Drive, our stay at De Rust that included home cooked meals, and finishing with Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, and Cape of Good Hope in Cape Town. I had done a Langa Township tour prior to our tour starting and didn’t do the one organized by Exodus, however, I’d recommend doing this type of half day tour as well as it shows you a different perspective.

Celia Murray

Reviewed October 2024

Perfection in the olive groves of Andalucia

A perfect blend of gentle walks, amazing views and accommodation that felt like a private house party.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was inspiring but the views on our last day of walking around the Penon Crag where impressive as Michael was able to point out all the areas we had walked in earlier in the week. A lovely touch which rounded off the whole trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael is an outstanding, experienced leader, so knowledgeable on so many levels and, most importantly, able to pass on that knowledge in an enthusiastic and fun way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a classic trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. The terrain is rough at times so walking boots are recommended and bring your walking poles if you are used to using them. Some walks are exposed and we had hot days even in early October so bring your sunscreen, sunhats , a long sleeved shirt and at least 2 water bottles. Also don't forget the insect repellent as you'll want to sit out for dinner on the amazing terrace every evening you can and watch the sun go down.

Philip Murray

Reviewed October 2024

Great week in Southern Portugal

Really fantastic food on this trip. Excellent lunches organised by the tour company – almost too much food but it was all delicious especially the Octopus. Loved the cafe stops for coffee and cake with the many Portuguese pastry options. Scenery along the coast was stunning but this is a relatively small proportion of the cycling. Most of the cycling is on inland off-road gravel tracks with some on quiet roads. I did enjoy the cycling and for me riding more off road was great fun. Hotels were generally of a good standard – the setubal school was exceptional. Hotel vila park bathroom a bit run down. The Aldeia da Pedralva was very rustic (some folk will like this and some may not). Bikes of really good quality and well suited to the terrain. If the option was available I’d have given this trip 4.5 stars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling beside the cliffs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Riccardo was excellent.

Sonja Mobbs

Reviewed October 2024

Incredible History and Sights

The vast timeline of history on this trip was truly amazing. Many of the archeological sites we visited were in breathtaking locations. I was in awe the entire tour. Even the times we were driving from one location to the next was amazing as the landscape is so beautiful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the old theatres, sitting in the stands and imagining what life felt like during these times. Oh and running on the original Olympic track of course!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maria has a large and incredible knowledge of the sites we visited - we were able to ask intricate questions and receive an in depth response.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Brush up on your ancient Greek history before the tour - this will allow you to truly appreciate the sites and artifacts you see.

Mandy Liebig

Reviewed October 2024

A Baltic Adventure That Stole My Heart

I honestly had no idea what to expect when I booked this cycling trip, but wow – what an absolute gem! The route took us to charming medieval towns, along stunning coastlines, and through peaceful national parks, showing us a side of these countries you’d likely otherwise miss. The absolute highlight for me was cycling Lithuania’s Lake District, where we pedaled past gorgeous lakes and through pine forests, discovering adorable wooden villages that looked straight out of a storybook. The unexpected moments made it unforgettable – like when our guide insisted we try this tiny restaurant that only served dried fish (I was skeptical), but it turned out to be the best meal of the entire trip. Every evening, our small group would gather over wine and local beer, laughing about the day’s adventures. From the incredible old town of Tallinn to tucked-away fishing villages, every day brought something new to discover, while the thoughtfully planned routes made the journey challenging yet incredibly rewarding. If you’re on the fence about this trip, just book it.

Marina Gilbourd

Reviewed October 2024

Interesting and captivating.

Well organized tour covering various aspects of Sicilian treasures, including history, archeology, architecture, urbane and village sites and nature parks. Our leader tried his best to “navigate “us in our free time. But I think additional envolvement of the local guides would benefit our exploration of the area more complete.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taormina sunset and landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tiziano is entertaining, enthusiastic and sharing his knowledge and love for Sicily. He used every chance to introduce us Sicilian traditions and especially food. Also he is accommodating to all needs of the group travellers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do your homework in advance before the trip to ask the right questions and remember the places you visit.

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