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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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Ewan Lawson

Reviewed July 2018

Fantastic Italian Cycle

A brilliant trip from mountains to sea with something for everyone in between. The route is along well kept cycle paths and quiet country roads. The cycling isn’t too strenuous but there are plenty of challenges for those looking to push themselves – and there are a few optional early morning cycles if you really want to go for it. The scenery is spectacular, food is amazing and the guides are inspiring.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 4km descent from the Monte Berico hills to the vineyard is amazing. As tempting as it is to keep the head down and enjoy the downhill with out interruption make sure you stop somewhere to take in the views before jumping back on the bike and speeding to the bottom all too soon. Lunch at the Vineyard afterwards is a fantastic spread and well deserved.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Martino were fantastic. They both have a great sense of humor, lots of experience and patience. They were always smiling - whether its at 6am on one of the optional morning rides or gone midnight touring Venice by moonlight. From the moment we were met at the airport to returning us to normality in Venice we didn't have to worry about a thing. Both of them go above and beyond to make sure that everyone enjoys their holiday. Thank you!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like hills say 'yes' to the optional early morning cycle from Trento. It follows part of the Giro route and is definitely a hill. The ascent takes 30 minutes and descent takes 3 minutes! The bragging rights at breakfast are definitely worth it! Our final cycle to Venice was cancelled due to heavy rain but this wasn't a problem because it gave us a full day in Venice. If you're given the option leave the bikes, take the train and enjoy the guided tour of Venice through the back streets away from the tourists.

Sally Nichols

Reviewed July 2018

Amazing trails, Fab food & Great company

This trip went far beyond my expectations. The walking was great, through lush wooded hills and fields full of the most beautiful wild flowers. The weather was mixed with one day completely washed out, although not spoilt as we still enjoyed the variety of walking even when soaked!

What stood apart was the food – Sarah and Richard were the best hosts I have yet encountered – and I have traveled for over 25 years. The themed menus, quality and presentation of meals was second to none. The freshly baked daily cakes were so good to come back to after a challenging day in the mountains too. My only problem was leaving enough room for dinner each evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming across the beautiful 'Chalet la Floria' halfway up one of our later walks in the week (I won't spoil the surprise to tell you which walk). Its multi-coloured umbrellas against the starkness of Mont Blanc and the brilliant blue sky behind it were magical. And the coffee/loo stop was very welcome too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shaun was knowledgeable and a calm and steady guide that kept us all happy - whether we were racing ahead or lagging behind - we walked as a group and enjoyed the trip so much more because of it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Request Chalet Chamonix to experience the best cuisine in the mountains, with Sarah and Richard. The boot room didn't always dry out boots after heavy rain so take some plastic bags to put over your socks to keep you walking in comfort (this worked well for me for two days). The fan in each room was great at creating white noise to drown out your snoring room-share!

janice kerrigan

Reviewed July 2018

Memorable Meterora in Gorgeous Greece

A wonderful adventure due to our fantastic guide Aris ,the spectacular scenery , the lovely people in the group and our driver Elias.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many memorable sights during the trip but for me it was the rock formation at Meteora.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Margie McKenzie

Reviewed July 2018

Allora, Andiamo!

This was my 2nd cycle trip (both with Exodus). And it did not disappoint. Fabulous and challenging. This is a beautiful region in Italy. We enjoyed great food and wine and lovely accommodations. The weather was hot and sunny, although we did out-cycle a few potential storms! The group of 16 were terrific and our leader, Emanuele, was wonderful ~ so well organized, and tireless in his efforts to meet all the diverse needs.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being from eastern Ontario, where the land is quite flat, I was really challenged on our first day out by the length, pace, heat, and "undulating" terrain. Our last day involved cycling against some pretty significant winds. By the end of the week, apart from being very sad it was over, I really felt good about my accomplishment and becoming a better cyclist as a result . I had great encouragement from our whole group and from Emanuele.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emanuele is just a wonderful person and excellent leader. He is kind and organized and hard working. His goal is to make sure that everyone is enjoying their experience. He really loves and is proud of the whole region. And it showed in his great story-telling and history lessons. He was able to answer all our questions, and to take us places and point out so many things we would have missed otherwise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the challenge ~ there are definitely hills and there can be winds. Be prepared. Although, my British buddies seemed to find them much less surprising and challenging than I did!

Terry Penfold

Reviewed July 2018

Aeolian Islands Odyssey

This was a great trip. Everyone got on well, the hotels and food were very good and the weather very kind. The walking was quite strenuous in the heat but an attentive leader made sure everyone was ok. The trip was especially interesting for anyone interested in geology (like me). Vulcano and Stromboli were excellent destinations to see volcanic action. Etna was a little disappointing because of low cloud and I ducked the summit trek which proved to be a wise move as the alternative walk on the lava flows was very interesting. Stromboli’s summit was very atmospheric (literally) with plenty of smoke, fire and dust. But well worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

Oddly I think it was our first ascent on the island of Vulcano. We came over the brim and were suddenly faced with a large crater still steaming away and the sulphurous fumaroles which we had to negotiate. A lovely island as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marco was superb. He was very attentive - nothing was too much trouble. Being a professional geologist he was able to answer my queries in some depth (in technical English) but looked after everyone whatever their interest. He smiled a lot, as well, which always helps! Everything worked well. My wife decided not to attempt the Stromboli ascent and he insisted on arranging a coastal cruise for her instead to view the eruptions from the sea. I think she saw more than we did from the summit!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go. It is a great trip. Be aware that you will need to buy and carry a lot of water as the local stuff is not recommended for human (visitor?) consumption and the temperatures can be high. You will sweat a lot. Read the instructions regarding the necessary gear carefully - you can't get away with a pair of trainers instead of boots.

Martin Thomson

Reviewed July 2018

A Little Gem

This is an absolute gem of a cycling trip. There is something for every cyclist; from undulating and flat roads to tough climbs up two volcanoes (particularly the 2nd climb up Mt Ijen); plus a little off-road riding thrown in, most interestingly through an old lava field (from the 1963 eruption of Mt Batur). Every day was something different and interesting. Outside the South East corner (Denpasar area), Bali is a beautiful island, lush and vibrant, with flowers and tropical plants abundant everywhere. Some of the hotels we stayed in were incredible. I particularly liked the ones in Ubud and Menjangan (quiet location, infinity pool, hot tub, great food, etc), but all the accommodation was very good quality bar a couple of exceptions that could not be avoided. Plenty of opportunities to swim in volcanic hot pools, swimming pools and the sea. We went in May and experienced a couple of rain showers. Fortunately, most days were cloudy and ideal for cycling, as the sun near the equator is very strong. Indonesia is a lovely country to visit and quite a revelation.

Most Inspirational Moment

The challenging climb up to the crater rim of Mt Ijen was rewarding, and inside the volcano the acid lake and steam were impressive as was the sulphur mining by some exhausted locals. The Snorkelling was great and I was amazed they provided a mask for short sighted people like me so I could actually see all the various tropical fish. Overall it was the people of Bali and Java that stood out, very friendly, always smiling, so kind.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wira was outstanding. An excellent communicator, extremely informative about all the flora and fauna, politics, etc; and a great sense of humour. This was my 8th Exodus cycle trip and Wira is the best Tour leader I have met Indeed, the whole Indonesia team were faultless, as though they had done it hundreds of times (even though it was quite a new trip). Everything ran very smoothly. They were the A-Team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The climb up Mt Ijen is tough so get in some hill miles unless you want to take the bus. Snorkels and masks are provided (even for short sighted people) so you don't need to bring them. Take some toilet paper. Also, swimming gear, as there are numerous places to take a dip. You will sweat a lot as it is very hot & humid.

Annie Thompson

Reviewed July 2018

A wonderful walking and wildlife experience!

This really is the best walking and wildlife combination I’ve ever been on. Loved that we did good mountain walks in the day time through varied and stunning scenery whilst focusing on wildlife along the way. Visiting the bear hide in the evenings was really fantastic, loved seeing so many bears in their natural habitat, so exciting! Julian was such a brilliant guide, so professional, knowledgeable, capable and fun, thanks Julian!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiration part of the trip was witnessing bears during the day, a mother and her cubs foraging around in the open! This was truly amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian really is such a great guide, he certainly knows his stuff and is extremely passionate about it. Julian obviously loves his job and therefore he's such fantastic company to be around. As a group we were all traveling on our own and Julian really helped gel the group together, it was a really fun and informative week, loved it so much! Julian was also extremely professional when it came to safety and giving us information in great detail about each walk for the day ahead. Loved that he offered us little snacks just when we needed them! Thanks so much Julian, you're a really great asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would suggest don't go with expectations that you're definitely going to see bears in the wild then you'll be really excited when you do! Make to most of going to the bear hide, try not to miss a night...... when will be your next opportunity be to spend the evening in a bear hide! Make sure you've got a good level of fitness and these wonderful walks are hilly. Take binoculars!

Judith Argent

Reviewed July 2018

Wonderful walks from the railway

A varied set of walks in a beautiful green island. Woods, rivers, waterfalls among the mountains. The walks weren’t crowded and we were mostly the only walkers on the trail.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in the mountain rivers to cool down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tom was a first time guide and he led us in a relaxed, friendly manner. He was always keen to hear our opinions about the routes we took.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a travel kettle to make tea and coffee. The lunch baguette is enormous and full of as many fillings as you could want. You can also take 2 pieces of fruit. Dinner was always plentiful and tasty. Try to speak a bit of French - it is always appreciated.

Suzanne Anderson

Reviewed July 2018

Peru explorer - see everything!

This trip was fabulous, there was just so much to see and do it really was amazing how much we crammed in. If you want a trip that shows you all of Peru then this is the one for you as you truly explore all of it.

Its a long trip and i absolutely loved it!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the most inspirational part was walking the Inca Trail and arriving into Macchu Picchu. The hiking really felt like I was in deepest darkest Peru, I kept thinking I would bump into Paddington Bear around the next corner. There's loads to see along the trail and I never got bored, I even enjoyed the steps!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ollie was superb, very knowledgeable and constantly organising the next part of the trip, when people on the trip were suffering from altitude sickness he was so kind and caring and really supported those that suffered, he really earned his tip! Ollie totally knew his stuff and was happy to answer any questions or help any time at all. He was also very patient and level headed when he needed to be. A superb leader, i'd like to nominate him for an award!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is full on and if you are planning to do the Inca Trail do not under estimate the difficulty of the hiking. Whilst this is perfectly doable even if you have some difficulties physically you really do need to train properly in order to get the most out of the walk for you and your fellow members of the group. I strongly recommend that you follow the training plan on the exodus website and work to the level 4 plan not level 3. Its the altitude that makes it harder. Make sure you take enough clothes to keep you warm on this trip as i was cold for most of it (particularly at night) :(

Donald Edwards

Reviewed July 2018

Amazing trip in an incredible country

Had never been to Morocco before and I must admit it took me by surprise. I’m not sure what I expected really but it was so much more than my expectations; I’ll certainly be back. I arrived in Marrakech the evening before the normal arrival day, Exodus booking me into the arrival hotel and arranged transfer from the airport which simplified things.

Climbing Mount Toubkal itself is a fear challenge in such a short time and I was worried about my fitness. Abdul, our guide, though insisted we all took it slowly; which we did, and we made it. It’s tough, but entirely doable. Loved the stay on the mountain in the mountain hut, though didn’t sleep much, which meant the 3am rise was actually a relief. Heading off in the darkness, with just the small patch of light created by your head torch is an amazing experience, only beaten by standing at the summit.

The quality o food on the trip was amazing, given we were on the side of a mountain. Lovely, fresh food and lots of it; believe me you will need it on summit day. After the long descent we’d have eaten most out of house and home, but there was more than enough to satisfy us all.

Most Inspirational Moment

Setting off in the darkness, in my own little bubble of my head torch light.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdul was incredible. Always smiling, chatty and proud of his country. He talked to us about his country and its customs, his life but was also interested in ours. He couldn't do enough for us all throughout the trip. Dinner in Marrakech on the final evening was amazing and he's a pretty good singer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A water bladder is very useful; I actually had a bladder and a water bottle, the bottle I regularly topped up whenever possible. Head torch is essential for the early morning climb. A wide brimmed sunhat, or something which covers your neck, and suncream also. I would also recommend walking poles.

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